US Army Model of 1917, recent acquisition

[imarangemaster]

Still working part time at a local gun shop and a decent 1917 .45 ACP came in. Original, except missing lanyard ring (though a friend has an original for me). The finish is 50% is or better, and the timing is dead nuts on. Probably not shot much as the bore is bright and rifling is crisp.

It has the US property markings on the bottom of the grip frame, and it has the smooth walnut grips, one of which has a well worn WW2 Civil Defense emblem on it. That is intriguing, as 1917s were drawn from storage to be re-issued, especially at home, in WW II.

I would love to know what its story is. It was brought in by family of a deceased elderly gentleman, and had no idea where or when he got it.

Got it for a reasonable price, so put it in 10 day Commiefornia jail. I'll get some pictures next time I go to work. It will be a shooter. I already load .45 ACP for a 1911A1, and even have 9 or 10 of the full moon clips. Should be a hoot.

 

[Rpg]

You'll enjoy it !

 

[imarangemaster]

Rounded up a nice 1909 holster (for the 1917), butt forward, and a Mills marked 1912 pistol belt. Didn't want to spend $100+ for an original half moon clip ammo pouch, so picked up a repop from Man the Line. It will make a nice grouping. Probably need a lanyard next, LOL!

 

[StrawHat]

Still working part time at a local gun shop and a decent 1917 .45 ACP came in. Original, except missing lanyard ring (though a friend has an original for me). The finish is 50% is or better, and the timing is dead nuts on. Probably not shot much as the bore is bright and rifling is crisp.

It has the US property markings on the bottom of the grip frame, and it has the smooth walnut grips, one of which has a well worn WW2 Civil Defense emblem on it. That is intriguing, as 1917s were drawn from storage to be re-issued, especially at home, in WW II.

I would love to know what its story is. It was brought in by family of a deceased elderly gentleman, and had no idea where or when he got it.

Got it for a reasonable price, so put it in 10 day Commiefornia jail. I'll get some pictures next time I go to work. It will be a shooter. I already load .45 ACP for a 1911A1, and even have 9 or 10 of the full moon clips. Should be a hoot.

Glad you have found the lanyard ring. I have a 455 New Century that came without the stud nor ring. Finding one was very easy, finding a correct one, only a very little bit harder.

If all you have is 9-10 full moon clips, contact Ranch Products in Malinta, Ohio. They are the makers of the original full moon clip (at least the recent one) and you are going to need a lot more. I probably have 100 and will be placing an order for more.

My Model 1917,

Kevin

 

[deadin]

Has anybody else noticed that the current crop of half-moons are somewhat flimsy? (at least the ones I have)
They tend to bend when "de-clipping"......
I use the recommended tool and the clips just don't seem to be as tempered (i.e. springy) as the originals...

 

[hkcavalier]

I like mine...

 

[imarangemaster]

Here's pics of the 12909 holster I got. It is missing the plug in the end (at least IIRC, the 1909 has a plug), but it is actually pretty decent for $90. It will go well with the 1912 Mills belt. Someday, I'll replace the repop lanyard and ammo pouch with originals.

 

[imarangemaster]

Mine is not is nice as either of yours. More bluing wear, but no rust or pitting. Just honest wear. It looks like it has "Been there, done that!"

I am really intrigued by the Civil Defense emblem on the grip..... I remember reading somewhere that while the Civil Defense were generally unarmed in WW2, some supervisors or watch commanders were armed, usually retired Military or LEO. Anyone have any info out there? I have also read that lots of 1917s were used by Military Police stateside during WW2, to free up 1911s for the front.

 

[imarangemaster]

I did some research. During WW2, some US Police Departments had Civil Defense Auxiliary Police. (see attached badges). This was because of concerns about saboteurs and sabotage. Possibly this revolver might have been used by one of these department's CD auxiliary police.

Civil Defense Badges - Numismatic News

Civil Defense Organization, Insignia, and Ranks

 

[imarangemaster]

Fascinating! The more I dig, the more I find that WW II Civil Defense Auxiliary Police were very common across the county. I have founds lots of different examples Civil Defense auxiliary Police badges. This makes me fairly certain that this was my 1917's last duty assignment.

 

[StrawHat]

…Mine is not is nice as either of yours. More bluing wear, but no rust or pitting. Just honest wear. It looks like it has "Been there, done that!" ...

The Model 1917 in my post was built in 1918. It may have seen service use in WWI but likely not. The holster pictured with it is dated 1944. It has the name of a Korean War veteran on it. The revolver itself is lacking blue, has some serious scuffs, scratches and wear patterns. It is also struck with a multitude of British proof marks.

It was discussed in this thread.

1917 with some English markings

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

Has anybody else noticed that the current crop of half-moons are somewhat flimsy? (at least the ones I have)
They tend to bend when "de-clipping"......
I use the recommended tool and the clips just don't seem to be as tempered (i.e. springy) as the originals...

I have not noticed that. Nor, do I have many half moons. I have maybe 3-4 pairs. I prefer the full moon clip. I use the same tool to remove them from the clip, a piece of tubing with most of the rim removed. Slip over the cartridge, twist and they pop out. Unless you are doing something different, they is no bending motion. Can you return them to flat?

Kevin

 

[imarangemaster]

Here is a picture of the grip panel with the Civil Defense logo. Had the grip off, as I have the revolver stripped down and giving it a thorough cleaning.

 

[weatherby]

Just need the right ammo now.
This old things been loaded for over a 100 years let's see if it still works

I just picked up my first 1917 Saturday it was converted to a 44 special semi target.

It doesn't have the original grips but that didn't upset me.

 

[StrawHat]

Just need the right ammo now.
This old things been loaded for over a 100 years let's see if it still works

I just picked up my first 1917 Saturday it was converted to a 44 special semi target.

It doesn't have the original grips but that didn't upset me.

If you decide to use the old ammunition, it will definitely go "bang".

BUT, it has corrosive primers. So make sure you use correct cleaning fluids and techniques to clean the revolver. Modern fluids may not do the trick.

Kevin

 

[imarangemaster]

I've shot lots of BP cartridge a corrosive Mil-Surp. Very familiar with cleaning needs.

I have read somewhere that during WW II, some 1917s were issued to Defense plant guards, as well a CONUS Military Police. I think it is a reasonable assumption that they were also issued to the CD Auxiliary Police. The Federal Government would issue what was available in stores, leaving production for front line weapons.

 

[imarangemaster]

This from an article that cited Ian Hogg and Bruce Canfield:

"...most of the revolvers were re-issued to stateside security forces and military policemen, but 20,993 of them were issued overseas to "specialty troops such as tankers and artillery personnel" throughout the course of U.S. involvement in lWorld War II."

I would think the Civil Defense Auxiliary Police would be included in those security forces.

 

[LostintheOzone]

In the movie Fury the tank commander had a 1917 in a shoulder holster, not a 1911. I'm sure a great amount of research went into the weapons used by tank crews. There weren't enough 1911's to supply non-infantry during WW2.

 

[imarangemaster]

Yep, there are some well recorded uses of the 1917 in Combat in WW II. One paratrooper with the 517 Parachute Infantry Regiment killed two German soldiers with a 1917 in different engagements.

 

[imarangemaster]

I went to work today and stuck the grips back on. I did not notice before that the CD grip Is slightly undersized. It is not as small as a 38 Victory model because I checked it against the right side panel of a couple Victory models grips. Seems to be half way in between the two. The left side grip with a rack number fits perfectly. Pics below.

It seems probably that the grip is a replacement at some point. Whether is was done at arsenal, arms room, or user, is impossible to say. I bought the gun, though, not the story! It is still a cool piece of history.

Here's the pistol:

Note that the grip is slightly smaller grip.

Bottom and serial number:

Barrel Markings

The other left hand panel with rack number: Better fit: