Offered a 1917

[jonnyc]

I've had a "Brazilian" 1917 for a number of years now and really love it. I also love my Colt and Webley .45s, but we won't talk about them...
I was just offered a "nice" S&W 1917, but I haven't seen it yet, probably will get to on Sunday. Assuming it's matching, VG to VG+ condition, with all the proper US military markings, what's it currently worth? I'd like to have a legit range in mind before any discussions begin. I did check Gunbroker completed auctions, but the range there is a bit wide and info a bit scarce.
Thanks in advance.

 

[lestert357]

For VG+ I would just throw out a range of $1200 - $1500. I know one thing for sure....the prices of Army 1917’s have definitely been trending north.

 

[jonnyc]

Thanks, that's encouraging.
If/When I get it I'll post some pics and info for a more detailed review.

 

[JH1951]

There are a lot of variables at play. A shooter in nice condition likely around $700.+ ....... Climbing up to a near mint piece, not refinished, all matching, etc. I've seen them go over $2000. and even close to $4000. recently. Then there are 'early' ones that command a premium as well. I stress not refinished, as I have seen some really nice ones auction off for $2000 to $4000. that I could make a good case for being refinished, and in my opinion that devalues them by about 40%. Others here may have different opinions on that, but it is certainly worth your time to be able to tell the difference. The prices for closed auctions on the big site are a pretty good representation of the current market value. The wide variation in prices you see are based upon condition. You can see that 'nice' is a vague term, and these days, so is 'mint'. Your best bet is to do a search on this site for the 1917. There is a LOT of information here that will be a very good friend when you are trying to establish what a fair price is. Please feel free to ask specific questions, post pictures, etc. The knowledge base here will get you through this while also providing a great education on these fine pieces. With today's pricing, I am glad I got mine a while back when I did.
EDIT: I should have posted this up top - WELCOME TO THE FORUM from another Pennsylvanian!

Here's my USGI 1917 posing with a Baby Chiefs Special:

 

[VaTom]

A Commercial Model 1917 made post WWI could bring a premium over a similar condition military marked model. Page 193 of SCSW 4th states

"Commercial variation: considered rare. A few shipped with nickel finish worth additional premium."

"Denver Police: Reported that fewer than 100 commercial 1917's went to Denver Police in 1932"

"Los Angeles Police Dept. received at least 25 commercial 1917s no special markings, May 1930."

My Commercial 1917 (refinished) from around 1929. I have not had it lettered.

 

[crsides]

NOt sure the SCSW is up to date with the military marked revolvers. Commercial models used to bring more back when you could buy a Military model for $400. Now they are $1200 and the commercials have not kept pace. I think the military revolvers rode the way of price increases with the 1911 autos.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

This is my commercial 1917, one of 90 sent to the Denver Police Department in 1932.

 

[jonnyc]

Nice, thanks.

 

[PeteC]

For reference, one sold in the classifieds here recently, for $1500, including a holster and some accessories. (search old classifieds for M1917 rig)

I saw a moderately worn example with nice but not original grips at a show a couple weeks ago, with an asking price of $1300. It was still there at the end of the show.

Finally, there is one for sale online for $1700 with a holster. It is likely to sell for less, but that was the asking price. Pics attached.

I don't know how much more the holsters and other extras add to the price, but there seem to be frequently on offer. Lots to choose from...

 

[jonnyc]

Originality, finish, and condition seem to be the Big Three in determining price. Can't wait to actually see the gun on Sunday. As shooters, I really love my S&W, Colt, and Webley .45 ACP revolvers at the range (yes, the Webley has a shaved cylinder).
I use Rim-Z plastic clips. One size seems to fit all three and every range session is a joy,

 

[jonnyc]

Ok, got the pistol.....not sure if I would describe it as "nice", but......
The good: appears to be original blue, VG+ to Exc. bore, non-matching numbered grips, shoots great, all matching except the barrel and grips.
The bad: non-matching number barrel and grips, some odd/pitty rough spots and wear.
Please let me know any thoughts on the gun, and a current market value.


Update: The grip numbers are hard to read, and although the numbers are "close", they are not matching.

 

[daddio202]

This particular model mostly made for a war over 100 years ago the wear, and some pitting is to be expected. Of many models this one is the one I would cut some slack on for grading the condition. But a barrel with an excellent bore that does not match numbers may kill all the collector value. I am no expert so more opinions will be needed along with some pictures. You should be able to post pics on your very first day signing on to forum. Ho to te sticky on posting pictures and try it again. I am awaiting some good pictures to see what you got.

 

[jonnyc]

Here are 2 more pics:

 

[Heinz]

The 1917 models had a long service life with the military. My grandfather carried one with the US Cavalry in Arizona in 1918. My father had one in the US Navy in the Pacific in 1943.
Many were refurbished, Augusta Arsenal and Springfield Arsenal were servicing locations. Grips seem to have been frequently replaced. Some revolvers were parkerized if refinishing was required. The production run numbers are not exact, about 160,000 S&W were purchased. The cost was between $14.75 and $16.00 with 2 half moon clips.

 

[outta_ammo]

I kind of appreciate a 1917 that looks like it's 'been there and done that.'

 

[jonnyc]

I do appreciate the big WWI revolvers. I already have a 1918-made "Brazilian", a very nice Colt 1917, and a shaved Webley MkVI. Somewhere down the line I also got a semi-destroyed Colt NS in .45 Colt that I turned into the Sow's Ear below.

If I don't end up selling this current S&W 1917, I might do the same mods as the Colt NS.

 

[JM4151]

1917 S & W Revolvers

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Pennsylvania collector and shooter. I think that I paid $200 for my model 1917, but that was close to 50 years ago. As a kid I used to go to a gun shop in Collingdale, Pa and he had a 1917 in his glass case. I was amazied at how big the hole was in the bbl. Good luck on your search, and enjoy your time on the forum. One of the best around!

 

[jonnyc]

We're practically neighbors!

 

[Peak53]

I like your "new" 1917, but I wouldn't refinish or bob the hammer ala Colt. Leave well enough alone and enjoy shooting what you got.

 

[jolsen]

Please tell me my memory is gone! I remember golden State Arms selling S&W and Colt 1917 revolvers for 25.00 in the middle fifties. john

 

[JH1951]

Please tell me my memory is gone! I remember golden State Arms selling S&W and Colt 1917 revolvers for 25.00 in the middle fifties. john

You are probably right on target. But, let's not forget that Lugers, etc. were selling for that or less back in the mid-1950's.....

 

[jonnyc]

And what was $25 really worth back in the 1950s?


Where can I get a time machine???

 

[jonnyc]

This pic is from member "danchamberlain". If I do make the effort, it is my end goal.

 

[jonnyc]

After searching and reading this forum and seeing the work of "danchamberlain", LesB, Iggy, and others...and considering I have only $300 into the pistol in question, I'm going the 'snubbie' route to match my Colt NS. I already have a matching S&W "Brazilian" and a nice Colt 1917 to enjoy, so this will work out just fine.
Here is my plan:
- cut the barrel to about 3.5 in. and re-crown
- move the original sight to its new spot (these two operations are being done by my local 'smith...keeping my fingers crossed!)
- minimal 'bob' of the hammer with cross grooves cut on top to allow continued S/A firing
- round and shorten grip bottom
- get and reshape already ordered repro grips to match new bottom contours
- already got BK "T" grip
- sell original early 1917 grips
- refinish
Any thoughts or suggestions welcome.

 

[Kinman]

I fully understand and appreciate what you are trying to accomplish. Your pictures show a piece that is ready for a change or enjoy and use as is. Revolvers with fixed sights are personal defense weapons in my opinion, one of my favorites is this 1917:



Yours is probably a good candidate for a complete refinish, in the end you will have an excellent firearm with all of the attributes I desire in a personal defense firearm.

 

[jonnyc]

How did you accomplish that hammer modification?

 

[StrawHat]

How did you accomplish that hammer modification?

I am not Kinman but I would guess there was a bit of welding and filing to create that large thumb pad.

Might as well add a cut down I built in the 70s or 80s. This is a 4” barrel. It was my carry piece for a while.

Kevin

 

[tops]

And what was $25 really worth back in the 1950s?


?

Half a weeks work. Larry

 

[raljr1]

And what was $25 really worth back in the 1950s?


Where can I get a time machine???

3 days wages for a factory worker....equivalent today, $500 to $800

 

[cmansguns]

Welcome from Virginia

Welcome to the Forum from Virginia!

Only caution that I would make is be awful careful when "shortening and rounding" the grip bottom (butt) as to NOT remove, alter, or deface, ANY part of the serial number, or you could end up with a piece of contraband that most likely would get you in deep doodoo with the "boys n girls in charge"