Need some help

[sgms]

I'm over my head here and need expert help. An older friend of mine came over last night with a 1917 and wanted to find out what it is worth. I can blue book it for value but it also has the holster and from there I am lost.
The pistol is marked on the butt with US ARMY MODEL 1917 No 1700xx left side of barrel S & W D.A.45 no marks on frame in side on crane has assembly number a eagle head over SA over the extractor the serial # and a star no other marks that I can see. He said he has a pouch with a bunch of blued metal clips (I'm guessing half moon clip) around some where.
The holster is brown leather with US in oval marked on back on belt loop is G. & K over 1918 over A.G. inside flap is ink stamped 20(5 or 8 or s very faded can't be sure)1 and in very very faded pencil the serial number.
Took pictures and am attaching them. Both his father and grandfather were long service army and I want to get the best info. I can for him. Thank you all in advance. Sorry but only 2 of the pictures will upload. Will keep trying to get the others to work.

 

[sgms]

Still can't get any more pictures to load.

 

[Oldiron]

The two pictures you have look awfully good to me. I would like to find one in that condition.
Larry

 

[JSR III]

That is a very nice Model of 1917 and has a holster to go with it as well. Prices are all over the board on the 1917's lately, but I would think that you are looking at over $1,000 for the gun and holster in that condition. My only question is the star marking that you mention. If that is a S&W rework star, then the value to a collector will be diminished significantly.

If you can, take a picture of that star mark and upload it in another post to the thread.

 

[sgms]

Got it. had to reduce the picture.

 

[JSR III]

Interesting, is that the only location of the star?

 

[sgms]

Yes that is the only star. And no other marks I can find than what described. My only decent reference is the Standard Catalog and I couldn't find anything there. Like I said HELP.

 

[Muley Gil]

It may just be me, or my computer, but the cylinder seems to have a purple cast to it.

 

[JP@AK]

Does the extractor star have a serial number on the underside?

 

[sgms]

Yes there is a serial # under the extractor Missed it because of the old grease on it. The purple cast may be the light the picture was taken under, I have had trouble with it before on blue finishes. Can not take gun photo outside. Have a anti gun living next to me, do not want to deal with her.

 

[peyton]

SGMS, that 1917 is in very good shape. The holster is the correct one as well. Close up pictures of all markings and the serial number will help us narrow down it's date of manufacturer. I will would estimate that the combo would sell for over $1,200.00. This is based on what I paid for mine a while back. Find out more about it's history, we like stories!!

 

[scooter123]

Take a look at the following link for a similar package for sale at a somewhat local dealer, it might provide some guidance.

USED S&W DA45 45ACP

 

[Jack Flash]

I think Peyton's estimate is as good as any. Some of these are going for staggering prices so it may sell for even more.

You can find out a good estimate of the month/year of manufacture here:
U.S. Military Dates of Manufacture

 

[sgms]

Thank you all. I will try to get more of the pistols history from the owner but don't be to hopeful, Mr D. is in his upper 80's and his memory tends to drift a bit. I do not know what he wants to do with it. If he wants to sell it I will ask him to allow me to post it here first. As for the rest of the detail pictures the failed to load agin but I will keep trying. Maybe take them over and try it that way.

 

[Nightowl]

Is there a serial number on the back of the cylinder? I see only the star.

 

[peyton]

Have patience with the old fella for the story, he probably will take a little while to get to it, but I am sure it will be worth it. With him being 80 he would be to young for WW1 but I bet he is related to someone that fought in the "great war". We will be patient also

 

[sgms]

Yes Nightowl the serial number is also on the cyl. The picture just wouldn't download any larger. the number is just off the edge of the picture and matches the butt.