Model of 1917 with target sights

[H Richard]

To me there are two value's to a lot of these guns, the "True Collector" value, and the "Shooter value". The shooter that wants the gun as it sits for it's capability may value the gun equal to or greater than the Pure Collectors value.

 

[22hipower]

To me there are two value's to a lot of these guns, the "True Collector" value, and the "Shooter value". The shooter that wants the gun as it sits for it's capability may value the gun equal to or greater than the Pure Collectors value.

I very much agree with that, some uniquely modified guns are worth more than their equivalent "original condition" models, at least to me. I know we're hijacking the OP's original thread but here's another 1917 that has had a little loving attention with the result being a thing of beauty, to me anyway.

 

[Hondo44]

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?

Fortunately this gun got back to the factory a little too early for the 4 line address roll mark "defacing "! The problem started in the early 1970s and Roy Jinks stopped it by the mid 1970s or so IIRC.

 

[paplinker]

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

A retrofitted 1917 to target that is documented done by the factory would be a real collectable and valuable to some people. To others not so much. Depends what inspires you in your interests.

Not sure I would describe a gun like that as a dime a dozen.

 

[AudieMurphy]

A retrofitted 1917 to target that is documented done by the factory would be a real collectable and valuable to some people. To others not so much. Depends what inspires you in your interests.

Not sure I would describe a gun like that as a dime a dozen.

ok, I stand corrected...But the table sharks at the gun shows say they're hard to sell

 

[paplinker]

ok, I stand corrected...But the table sharks at the gun shows say they're hard to sell

I think that might be a 45 thing lol Either you love them or hate them. I recently bought a transitional 1917 Army and well...moon clips are not my jam

 

[22hipower]

ok, I stand corrected...But the table sharks at the gun shows say they're hard to sell

That's because you're trying to sell a 1917 to them. Try to buy one from them and they'll tell you how rare they are and what great history they have and how everyone must have at least one. . . .and how very special the one on my table happens to be.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

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

I think you will find many amongst this crowd that would consider a nice clean unmolested m1971 a serious collectable and a grail gun to many . I think it is you who are confused.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

ok, I stand corrected...But the table sharks at the gun shows say they're hard to sell

Do you believe everything you read on the internet ? I hope not as it is full of liars that will try to tell you anything to beat you out of what you have for nothing , just like the "Table Sharks" . Believe most of what you read here as the majority of true Smith & Wesson collectors and a lot of the true experts hang out here and post . I am not one of those but I only post what I know to be true unless I'm asking a question.

 

[gunbarrel]

FASTCAT & H Richard, you are both memberd of the SWCA. Do you have this issue of the Journal? There is a great subject article in there.

 

[Kinman]

I agree, I would value a model 1917 that was modified to fit my particular interests above one that met the criteria for high value. I have a very nice early number model 1917 with concentric ringed hammer that I would trade for a King sight modified model more to my interests. I have a cut down modified 1917 that I value more than the collectible model because I actually carry and use it often, it is my choice of two carry revolvers and more often than not is the one I am using at any given time. The other is a Model 24-3 L.H. special with modified Culina square butt stocks. From what I've seen a factory reconditioned revolver done back in the day could only be outdone by an equal model that was near pristine, the odds of coming across one like that in my area are very slim to none, not to mention the price difference. I value factory refinished revolvers highly and am more than happy to get my hands on them.
I also own and operate a Model A Ford that many purists are shocked to see modified with electronic ignition, 6-volt alternator, Model B wheels and 17" tires. It even has a Model B cam grind and improvements done in '33-34 that give the old girl a little more snap and higher top end. Purists are everywhere and were it not for them there would be no pristine examples of whatever it is they collect, so more power to them.

 

[Muley Gil]

I agree, I would value a model 1917 that was modified to fit my particular interests above one that met the criteria for high value. I have a very nice early number model 1917 with concentric ringed hammer that I would trade for a King sight modified model more to my interests. I have a cut down modified 1917 that I value more than the collectible model because I actually carry and use it often, it is my choice of two carry revolvers and more often than not is the one I am using at any given time. The other is a Model 24-3 L.H. special with modified Culina square butt stocks. From what I've seen a factory reconditioned revolver done back in the day could only be outdone by an equal model that was near pristine, the odds of coming across one like that in my area are very slim to none, not to mention the price difference. I value factory refinished revolvers highly and am more than happy to get my hands on them.
I also own and operate a Model A Ford that many purists are shocked to see modified with electronic ignition, 6-volt alternator, Model B wheels and 17" tires. It even has a Model B cam grind and improvements done in '33-34 that give the old girl a little more snap and higher top end. Purists are everywhere and were it not for them there would be no pristine examples of whatever it is they collect, so more power to them.

Please post pictures of your A Model in the Lounge.

 

[FASTCAT]

FASTCAT & H Richard, you are both memberd of the SWCA. Do you have this issue of the Journal? There is a great subject article in there.
[/QU

FASTCAT & H Richard, you are both memberd of the SWCA. Do you have this issue of the Journal? There is a great subject article in there.

I do not have that issue but will ask around. Thank you for the heads up.

 

[gunbarrel]

FASTCAT, the issue in online on the SWCA website. Just sign in to download it.

 

[wileyjackhammer]

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.

I believe I have one very similar to yours. It is a 1917 with Micro front & rear sights'
It is in very good shape and I have had it for about 25 years and never shot it,
I bought it along with a K-frame set it similarly, except the K-Frame has a grip adapter, like a Tyler. Both belonged to a TPD Captain & were part of his 3 gun set for the pistol team.
Sorry if this is a repeat, I lost connection to this thread.
I do have photos of both the 1917 & the K-frame, but I have not been able to get them where I can access them to put in here. I do have help coming at the end of the month.

 

[wileyjackhammer]

I believe I have one very similar to yours. It is a 1917 with Micro front & rear sights'
It is in very good shape and I have had it for about 25 years and never shot it,
I bought it along with a K-frame set it similarly, except the K-Frame has a grip adapter, like a Tyler. Both belonged to a TPD Captain & were part of his 3 gun set for the pistol team.
Sorry if this is a repeat, I lost connection to this thread.
I do have photos of both the 1917 & the K-frame, but I have not been able to get them where I can access them to put in here. I do have help coming at the end of the month.

 

[wileyjackhammer]

That was the best I could do for photos...

 

[austintexas]

I Have a similar revolver. Mine is a second model .455 (no caliber markings on the barrel) sent to Smith in 1927 and had prewar II rear Target sight W/ Patridge front and converted to 45 colt. Marked on butt 2-27. Its a nice shooting revolver. Bought it years ago from Old Town Station (Remember them).
SWCA 892