Questions about the M1917 revolver

[moralem]

There was no "United States Property" marking on the bottom of the barrel. There also wasn't a flaming bomb or other marks on it. So a 1917 revolver with the serial number 177,447 was a military gun? Please excuse my lack of knowledge on these, but I am just trying to learn as much as possible about these as possible before I spend any money. The last thing I want is buyers remorse on a gun that I spend $700+ on.

I thought the crane number was the serial number but the 177447 is the correct one. That is a commercial model especially if there is no US PROPERTY stamp on the underside of the barrel. And commercials also wore the SW Trademark. What does the shop say it is? I am no expert but in reading the book all signs say it is a commercial. Serial numbers ran from 1917-1949, 1-209791.....according to the big book of SW. So that far into the run I would bet it is commercial. If you have to have one I would offer 700 bucks out the door because I don't think they will take 600, but you can ask.

 

[TaylorRatliff]

I asked them if they could tell me more about it and the employee streched his neck to start reading the label hanging from the gun. Haha i told them I might be back with a fair offer on it and that I needed some lunch to think it over.

 

[moralem]

The other thing to consider is the various numbers you show don't match as mentioned in one of the posts above.

 

[TaylorRatliff]

You are correct moralem, the crane number doesn't match the other serial numbers and the grips don't have a serial number on either of them, just some illegible carved markings or initials in it.

 

[jmace57]

Serial number style is different on a military one. I believe that is a commercial. Much later stocks.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The good news is it is a commercial 1917. Bad news...it was refinished at the factory (R-S in box) so collector value drops to about 1/2. There is no date stamp so we don't know when the work happened except it appears to have the carbonia blue. As a non-refinished commercial model it would be worth what they are asking even with the finish issues. Now, it is purely a shooter. I recently picked one up for $500 but its barrel was cut and it basically has no finish. I wouldn't give $700 for that one.

 

[TaylorRatliff]

They said the best they could do is $800 plus tax so I think I am going to pass on it. However, if you guys ever find yourself in coffee county Tennessee. Stop in to Toliver's pawn shop to look at this one.

 

[stu1ritter]

Good move Taylor, $800 would really be a stretch for that particular 1917.

Stu

 

[TaylorRatliff]

Thanks guys for your help! I really appreciate all of yall's guidance and insight to help steer this young kid that is just trying to learn more about these old guns.

 

[moralem]

Thanks guys for your help! I really appreciate all of yall's guidance and insight to help steer this young kid that is just trying to learn more about these old guns.

Keep at it young man and when you are old like many of us you will still be learning about these guns but there will be fewer of us around to school you on them ol wheel guns. Good decision.

 

[DWalt]

It's good you did your due diligence on this one before flopping down your credit card. It is just a shooter with significant problems, and might bring $500 as one. At least I wouldn't be interested in it for any more than that. BTW, the grips are from 1969 or later.

 

[VaTom]

For future reference the crane/yoke serial number on these is located on the thin side facing the back of the gun. To see it you have to turn the cylinder and look through one of the cartridge holes. Small so best seen with light and magnifying glass.
Right move passing on it at that price. Check back and if it is not sold in a couple of months they may be willing to deal

 

[deyomatic]

Consider this, no matter how much info you get here on value of the gun it really is not going to enable you to drive the price of the gun down to 500-600 dollars. I suspect if it is not a correct gun you might get it down to 700 dollars. They aren't giving these guns away and how often do you see one in a gun or pawn shop. I have been looking now for years for one that I can see and handle and the prices here in Texas are over 1000 bucks. The Colt 1917 I have but the SW remains elusive at a sub 1000 mark. Go look, take some cash and if you can get it for 799 or less I would buy it.

I wish I could "like" this twice. I'm in the opposite boat, though...I can't find a Colt in the condition I would like (not chromed) for less than $900.


EDIT: I just read through. Good for you for walking away. You'll find one. For now, keep reading every thread you can find here and soak it up.