Smith & Wesson Model 1917 US Property

[ENNE-FRAME]

Dear Forum Members, today is a good day, I woke up and as usual I checked the new and used firearms sell and trade website market, I found and purchased this beauty for 1900 Euros (about $2000), rare here in Italy in this condition, I would be happy to have your authoritative opinions.

 

[ENNE-FRAME]

pics of the marks and serial number
Please explain me the meaning of the marks

 

[22hipower]

Very nice condition, better than I usually see here. Looks like it got through WWI and someone tucked it away until you discovered it.

Jeff
SWCa #1457

 

[ENNE-FRAME]

other photos

 

[quinn]

Marcello, that is a beauty! That's another one you truely wish could tell you it's story. Congratulations.

 

[fjruple]

Marcello- Show some pictures of the holster.

 

[Alk8944]

pics of the marks and serial number
Please explain me the meaning of the marks

The first picture is the U.S. Army Ordnance symbol, usually referred to as the "Flaming Bomb". It is actually a hand grenade. The S7 and eagle are the army acceptance mark. Of course the number on the barrel flat is the serial number of the gun. Assuming it is original that is the nicest looking 1917 S&W I have ever seen. The only thing is the stocks have been re-finished, or simply an additional coat of a drying oil type finish added at some time.

 

[StrawHat]

I believe that revolver was accepted by the Army in August 1918.

It is a good looking revolver. They are good shooters. Enjoy it as much as you can.

Kevin

 

[ENNE-FRAME]

Hi fjruple
The holster is for a Colt 1892 double action cal 38.
Marked Rock Island Arsenal
Third type holster Russet brown of 1902, used in the photos only for choreographic reasons, I'm already looking for the original one with lanyard and half moon military holder bag to hang to the belt

 

[ENNE-FRAME]

I have often seen these revolvers with hollow grips, but this one has a rounded grip, do you have any explanation regarding this difference?

 

[Hawg Rider]

Buongiorno, Marcello. Looks like you found another S&W gem in Italy! Your Model of 1917 is in great condition, but it does look like the stocks have been refinished. The plain American walnut stocks issued on most of the Model of 1917s during WWI were usually quite dark in color (see mine below, s/n 132922 ca. late 1918). I'm not sure about the concave circle at the top of the left stock, but it may have resulted whenever S&W decided to eliminate medallions on some of the stocks. I'm not sure what you mean by seeing these revolvers with "hollow grips"...if you mean inside the stocks, no. They were solid wood with no internal cutouts. Other than the light color of the stocks, your Model of 1917 appears to be totally correct with all the proper stamps. Congratulazioni, godere!

 

[Muley Gil]

I have often seen these revolvers with hollow grips, but this one has a rounded grip, do you have any explanation regarding this difference?

The earliest 1917s had the concave "dished top" stocks. The majority had the convex top stocks, as shown on your "new to you" 1917. The early '17s also had hammers that were grooved on the sides.

 

[ENNE-FRAME]

first one is that i named hollow grips second one is rounded grips
Sorry for my english, I have used unpropried words trying to explain better the differences of the grips

 

[Hondo44]

Wow, that’s a dandy! Congrats.

The eagle over the S9 is just the head with beak pointing up.

The concave or “dished” tops of the grips ended approximately between serial number 15,000 to 20,000. Does the penciled serial number on the back of the right grip match the gun number?

 

[ENNE-FRAME]

Wow, that’s a dandy! Congrats.

The eagle over the S9 is just the head with beak pointing up.

The concave tops of the grips ended approximately between serial number 15,000 to 20,000. Does the penciled serial number on the back of the right grip match the gun number?

Written in pencil on both panel 592 the serial number is 94592

 

[StrawHat]

Written in pencil on both panel 592 the serial number is 94592

S&W would write the entire number on the inside of the right panel. The last three digits on both panels is probably from a previous owner to keep things together.

Kevin

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Very nice condition, better than I usually see here. Looks like it got through WWI and someone tucked it away until you discovered it.

Jeff
SWCa #1457

I am thinking it was reissued during WWII.

My late Tax Lady's husband was a Army Supply Sergeant in WWII and his sidearm, which he brought home, was a mint condition S&W 1917.