Model of 1917 with target sights

[FASTCAT]

I recently picked up this 1917 just as a fun shooter but once it arrived I gave it a hard look. It lettered, of course, as going to the U.S. Government Depot and later sold as surplus.
It has matching 5 digit numbers on the frame, yoke, and the sideplate inner surface. There are matching serial numbers on the butt, the 5-1/2" barrel, cylinder, and extractor. There is also a partial serial number stamped on the bottom of the rear sight. A large S&W logo has been roll stamped on the sideplate.
There are S<> service stamps on the barrel flat and the LH side of the frame. Also, there is an '866' stamp on the frame.
The fit and finish are both very nice and the very smooth action surely has been worked.
I would appreciate any observations or info that forum members may provide.

 

[younggun22]

Definitely a conversion. Could have been done at the factory where they numbered the rear sight. Cool gun

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The M1917 went to the factory for service in August 1966. It was refinished in standard blue "S <>". The Patridge front sight and rear leaf may have been done then but I suspect they were earlier Pre-war additions because the rear sight is not what S&W was installing in '66 (micro-click). The font on the sight serial is not period correct for 1917. The trademark stamp on the side plate may have been done at the time of the refinish. I was a little surprised the 4 line address stamp was not applied since S&W was doing that on service jobs until Dr. Jinks made them stop.

That is a very interesting gun! Would you post the last paragraph of your letter?

 

[raljr1]

Since someone ruined that fine old war piece, I will ease your burden and offer you $500 for it.....Nah. That is a really cool piece. I really like that one, the modifications look first rate.

 

[FASTCAT]

Here is the letter for the gun.

 

[gjamison]

As a 1917 collector I would proudly add that to the fold. The craftsmanship from the factory at this time was flawless. Absolutely gorgeous in my opinion.

 

[H Richard]

I would love to have that in my collection, and as a shooter also.

 

[tennexplorer]

I agree with Wiregrassguy. In addition to the font of the serial number on the underside of the rear sight being incorrect, the style of the adjustable sight is the later one from the 1930's with the elevation set screw. I think it has had two trips to the factory for service. One in the 1930's or maybe even during the war; the second in 1966. It is one that needs an S&WHF deepdive.

 

[AudieMurphy]

Since someone ruined that fine old war piece, I will ease your burden and offer you $500 for it.....Nah. That is a really cool piece. I really like that one, the modifications look first rate.

So why is it "ruined"?? was it ever a Grail to begin with?

 

[22hipower]

I would definitely request the Historical Foundation deep dive. For a small fee the factory would modify 1917s with target sights and change the caliber if requested although not many of those modifications are documented, maybe not many actually done, and perhaps not much factory documentation available now. You might get lucky though. The one below was shipped as a commercial 1917 in 1927 and went back to the factory in 1949 to add target sights and convert it to 45 Colt.

 

[raljr1]

So why is it "ruined"?? was it ever a Grail to begin with?

Tongue firmly in cheek.

 

[gmborkovic]

Is US Property still on bottom of the barrel?

 

[FASTCAT]

Is US Property still on bottom of the barrel?

Yes, it's still there.

 

[FASTCAT]

I requested a deep dive on this one 2 months ago but have not heard back. I have no experience with deep dives - is there a 'normal' wait time? If nothing is found, will I get a response saying so?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I requested a deep dive on this one 2 months ago but have not heard back. I have no experience with deep dives - is there a 'normal' wait time? If nothing is found, will I get a response saying so?

You should send a new request and include a copy of your letter.

 

[Model19man]

You should send a new request and include a copy of your letter.

This may be necessary - could be they lost your original request.

 

[kscharlie]

So why is it "ruined"?? was it ever a Grail to begin with?

For a "purist" collector, yes it has been ruined. Why? Because it is not factory original. I am not what you would call a purist collector. I collect what I want...period. The rule of thumb regarding value is that any gun altered/modified/re-blued outside the factory is worth 50% of its corresponding value of a non-altered gun. If the gun has been re-finished by the factory, value loses 25%. Other factors may influence the value of any given S&W revolver, such as rarity, provenance, etc.

As for "was it ever a Grail...", it most certainly could be for someone. We all have different likes, dislikes and opinions. Just because a given gun may not be a "Grail" for you does not mean it could not be for someone else.

We are all here to learn about all things pertaining to S&W. We all have different amounts of knowledge regarding the same. We all try to share what knowledge we have with others who are seeking that knowledge. And we try to do that in a friendly and positive manner.

 

[AudieMurphy]

So a 1917 model year that was mass produced (a dime a dozen)is a real collectable piece? Truthfully they'll never catch up along side RM's and Pre model 29's. I think your confused between Curio and Collectable...As for "it most certainly could be for someone"....I believe you and everyone thinks they have the " King Midas" touch....have a nice day

 

[Timber Wolf]

I would definitely request the Historical Foundation deep dive. For a small fee the factory would modify 1917s with target sights and change the caliber if requested although not many of those modifications are documented, maybe not many actually done, and perhaps not much factory documentation available now. You might get lucky though. The one below was shipped as a commercial 1917 in 1927 and went back to the factory in 1949 to add target sights and convert it to 45 Colt.

View attachment 777145View attachment 777146

Sorry to step on the OP’s thread but wouldn’t the conversion on this one require a new cylinder?

 

[22hipower]

Sorry to step on the OP’s thread but wouldn’t the conversion on this one require a new cylinder?

Probably, supporting notes that came with the gun say both the cylinder and barrel were replaced although the factory paperwork doesn't mention the cylinder. Both are numbered to the gun as we would expect with factory work.