Cocked & Locked
Member
Reference post #16
U.S 1917......Redone
- Thread starter bulletproof-791
- Start date
OP
bulletproof-791
Member
I just noticed under the Barrel in front of the injection Rod its marked "United States Property" does that mean it was really Army issued at one point ??
Typically yes, at least it was the model to be issued but whether it actually was is hard to tell but I bet it was.
To my knowledge, the commercial models didn't have that.
To my knowledge, the commercial models didn't have that.
Jack Flash
Member
Since it left the factory in May, 1918, I think there is a very high probability (almost a certainty) it went with the troops over to France.
I know that when the US first declared war after the sinking of the Lusitania, there was great enthusiasm to join the fight in the American press and popular culture. But getting an army organized, trained, and shipped to France took time.
A popular American war song in 1917, "Over There", prompted some impatient Allies to ask "Over Where?" Well, they had been fighting this gruesome war for 3+ years, I guess they wanted something a lot more tangible than a song.
By May, 1918, about a million Americans had made it to France. The US had been woefully unprepared to arm such a large number of men. That's why the M1917 came about in the first place: Colt simply could not produce enough M1911s, which was the standard military sidearm.
So it makes a lot of sense that this particular M1917 went over to Europe just as fast as the Army could send it.
I know that when the US first declared war after the sinking of the Lusitania, there was great enthusiasm to join the fight in the American press and popular culture. But getting an army organized, trained, and shipped to France took time.
A popular American war song in 1917, "Over There", prompted some impatient Allies to ask "Over Where?" Well, they had been fighting this gruesome war for 3+ years, I guess they wanted something a lot more tangible than a song.
By May, 1918, about a million Americans had made it to France. The US had been woefully unprepared to arm such a large number of men. That's why the M1917 came about in the first place: Colt simply could not produce enough M1911s, which was the standard military sidearm.
So it makes a lot of sense that this particular M1917 went over to Europe just as fast as the Army could send it.
Inusuit
Member
I have a Colt 1917 that has been reblued and the front sight modified. Again, price at the LGS was reasonable, $300. I've always wanted a New Service and this was one I could afford. Replaced the grips with correct ones, put a lanyard ring on it. It scratched the NS itch.
OP, I like your revolver and would keep it just as it is.
OP, I like your revolver and would keep it just as it is.
OP
bulletproof-791
Member
45
Eddie Southgate
Member
I would leave it just like it is.I like having original grips to go with my old Smiths but I like the Magna grips for everyday use so I always change them out.
I'm gonna start prowling those West By God Virginia gun shops.
GREAT FIND!!
I'm never that lucky. Enjoy it -- they are fun to shoot.
I'm never that lucky. Enjoy it -- they are fun to shoot.
Eddie Southgate
Member
Nice 1917! Nothing wrong with that. I've got a similar 1917 S&W.
I'd buy an extra set of screws and have them fire blued . Good as it looks now it would really be sweet with the blued screws.
Eddie
raljr1:
We'll probably pass each other on the border, as I go up to South West Pennsylvania, to check out their gun shops!! Besides, the OP bought his in Northeast Ohio. Hey, we're all fishing in the same pond!
Believe it or not though, I have found some nice Smiths and Colts at the Wheeling Cabela's "Gun Library". Usually high dollar, but not always.
Best Regards, Les
OP
bulletproof-791
Member
add me on Facebook ( Scott R. Jones) if you have it
Scott, I don't know about the other guys, but I have never had a Facebook account. Everyone tells me I should, folks I barely know come up to me and tell me things I don't know about my grandchildren. I've just never gotten around to starting one, which is strange, considering how much time I spend on the forum.
Best Regards, Les
Best Regards, Les
There is quite a S&W following on FB, Les. Hit me up if you ever decide to go for it.
Regards,
Bruce
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