Question about N-frame grip

[TooTech]

I've got an S&W 1917 that had these grips on it when I bought it. I've previously posted about the gun, but now I'm wondering about the grips.

I know the grips are not original to the gun, but I'm hoping someone can give me an idea of their vintage and value. I'm seen similar N-frame grips bring good $$$ on flea-Bay and I'm wondering if these are the same type.

The right grip is stamped with the number 61465.

Here's the link to my original post about the gun, complete with LARGE photos.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5401039...251007852#1251007852

Thanks!

 

[TooTech]

I've got an S&W 1917 that had these grips on it when I bought it. I've previously posted about the gun, but now I'm wondering about the grips.

I know the grips are not original to the gun, but I'm hoping someone can give me an idea of their vintage and value. I'm seen similar N-frame grips bring good $$$ on flea-Bay and I'm wondering if these are the same type.

The right grip is stamped with the number 61465.

Here's the link to my original post about the gun, complete with LARGE photos.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5401039...251007852#1251007852

Thanks!

 

[digi-shots]

Very nice looking 1917 and grips!

I think you're right, the grips are later vintage, probably from about 1940.

I have no idea to value and I'm amazed at some of the prices I see on ebay. However, if you've got a gun that's missing the grips... it does help complete the whole package.

 

[handejector]

Yep, those are Pre-War magnas, and worth big bucks, depending on condition, which is hard to tell in the pics because they are a bit dark. If interested in selling, I would be interested in buying.

 

[TooTech]

Thanks to all who replied.

I received a few offers to buy the grips and I'll keep those in mind, but quite honestly I prefer the way the current grips look versus the rather plain grip that the 1917 originally sported.

So if I sold these grips, what could I put on the gun that would look as nice?

 

[tipoc]

If you sell these on EBay you may get a hundred bucks or so, a bit more or less.

I'd suggest you hold on to them a bit till you find another set that you like. Possible a set of reproductions proper to the gun and it's era with another set of whatever you like for shooting. Numrich Gun parts sells some repros as does NC Ordnance.

tipoc

 

[s&wchad]

TooTech,

I read your other post, I'll just address everything I see here. Those "S" markings on you gun are US Inspectors marks. Here's a link to proof marks:

http://proofhouse.com/cm/us_inspector.htm

Your gun is a factory re-barrel/re-finish, and I‘m surprised it hasn't been noticed yet. If the US military reworked the gun, it would have been done at an arsenal and so marked. I think it was sent back by a civilian after the gun was sold surplus. The five point star on the butt indicates the gun was returned to the factory for rework. The diamond with the letter "B" indicates a major parts replacement (the barrel) and It's pretty obvious that when they replaced the barrel they mis-stamped the serial number (hard to get good help). You can see evidence of double stamping on the bottom of the barrel, they either didn't catch it, or they opted not to grind it down and try again (or scrap the barrel). There may be a three or four digit date stamped on the frame under the grip indicating the month and year of refinish. All the info is in SCSW #3.

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catalog-Smith-Wesson-Sup...id=1198165743&sr=8-1

There's a set of Pre-War Magnas on fleabay right now with 4 days to go (they're already over $300). Why don't you watch the auction and see what they sell for. You can put any grips you want on that, but I prefer originals. You have a cool gun with great grips, and some self documented history. Here's some pics of an original finish S&W 1917 to compare. Happy Holidays.

An original barrel would be US property marked and have the inspectors stamp.

 

[TooTech]

s&wchad,

Thank you for the insights on my 1917. I hadn't noticed the five-point star because of its' close proximity to the base of the lanyard.

I'll take your advice and track the auction of those similar grips on eBay. I'm amazed to see that they're over $400 now.

 

[opoefc]

Your grips are from either a non-Registered .357 Magnum or a .38/44 heavy Duty. Worth major bucks - probably $500 or more. More than the gun is worth! Sell 'em! Put replica grops on the gun and sell it as a shooter. Go buy a good 1917 that hasn't been screwed up by the factory rework, and still have $$ in your pocket!

 

[Muley Gil]

"Your grips are from either a non-Registered .357 Magnum or a .38/44 heavy Duty."

Ed, why couldn't they be from either a 2nd or 3rd Model .44 or even from a 2nd Model .455?

 

[opoefc]

Muley, You're right, they could be. I should have said "probably" from a RM or HD. The reason I did say RM or HD is that I have , or had, RMs and HDs that are within 10 digits of the number on those grips, so felt the probability was pretty high. Ed.

 

[s&wchad]

The grips sold for $620. Now that the auction is over, here's the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item...=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010

 

[TooTech]

Not certain if my grips are as good as those. I think my medallions are better, but mine have a small chip and a couple of dents.

The market can make the final decision. I listed them on eBay this morning.

 

[handejector]

The market can make the final decision. I listed them on eBay this morning:

Constructive criticism: Revise your ad to allow the pics to be enlarged, and post better lit pics.
ALSO- SAVE money by lowering your opening bid to the minimum insertion fee. Insertion fees are based on opening bid. You just spent $2.40 on the insertion fee that should have been 20 cents. Spend THAT money on pics. They'll break $200 easily.
One more tip- you stand a good chance of having the ad jerked by SHOWING a gun- ebay policy PROHIBITS even SHOWING a prohibited item.

 

[s&wchad]

TooTech,
Posting links to live auctions is against forum rules. You should use the edit button (little folder icon with the quote mark) to remove the link. I'm sure your grips will sell for a good bit more than you paid for the whole gun. Don't you love when that happens! Lee offered some really good advice, but ebay may not like the pics with the gun.

 

[TooTech]

Ooops! My apologies. Link removed.