US Army Model 1917 with British Proof Marks (Questions)

[batex]

It's been a while since I've been on here, but was very active up to about 5 years ago. Anyway, I stumbled across a Model 1917 N frame revolver with British proof marks and have a few questions. The gun is in okay/good condition with lots of blue left. I say "okay" because lockup seems good...it's not worn out by any means, but is still packed full of cosmoline so is a little rough on the trigger pull and break. Also, the grips have been "customized" with homemade checkering. It has the US Property mark under the barrel, correct markings on the butt, is missing the swivel, but overall good.

Questions...

Given that this is a "real" US 1917, can I assume it's still chambered in 45 ACP even with all the British proof marks?

Shop want's $575 for it. This is an out the door price. I've been out of the S&W market for 5-6 years. How's this price compare?

Thanks!

 

[beagleye]

Seems like a better than average price, not a steal.

 

[Jack Flash]

I would think that price is very low. Since you have examined it, you should know if it has any red flags. Pictures would help, but even without seeing it, I think it is a buy.

Whether it is in its original chambering should be pretty easy to tell by chambering empty cases (or fired cases or dummy rounds). Most shops would not want you to load it with live ammo. It has probably passed through many hands since it was manufactured so I would not assume anything and verify everything.

The British marks probably mean it was sent over to England early in WWII when they were desperately short of firearms, especially after Dunkirk. The situation was so severe that some members of the Home Guard were armed with only medieval swords and pikes!

I have read that hardware stores in the US put out barrels for gun owners to donate guns to England. Also, the US government sent over some M1917s as part of the Lend/Lease Program. That's probably how it got there. When it was released from government service (by the British), it was proofed and sold on the civilian market.

 

[Modified]

I had one like that, it was pretty clearly a lend lease gun. The only actual problem with it was that someone had helpfully used a file on the rear sight groove to change the point of impact for the sights to somewhere down range.

That gun taught me to check that particular bit of a fixed sight gun for monkeying, and I've never forgotten that lesson.

 

[batex]

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. I did snap some pics... Let me know what you think now...
Thanks,

 

[Iggy]

Barrel and each cylinder proofed for release for sale in the private market.

Not English Make confirms that.

 

[beagleye]

$575 OTD, I'd be on that like a chicken on leftover macaroni.

 

[tlay]

It totally amazes me how some bubbas think a revolvers grip frame makes a great hammer! They probably did it while it was loaded!

 

[DBWesson]

Look up Carols Watson's West Coast Auction.
I just sold one in that auction.
That was the first one I had ever seen and since I was collecting 17s I needed that gun, that was about 15 years ago. I don't remember seeing any since.
DB