[Lloyd in Vegas]

Here is a M1917 Colt revolver/rig that I have had in my collection for a number of years. I was just sorting through one of my safes and decided to give it a good going over and take some pictures for the forum. Included in the photo are a canvas pistol web belt dated from WWI, a canvas pouch designed to hold three sets of half moon clips (eighteen rounds total), M1917 leather holster, and a canvas lanyard. Thge revolver is serial number 51708. It is in very excellent original brush blued finish condition and all matching.
Download Attachment: Colt M1917 Rig.jpg
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Download Attachment: Colt M1917 Left side.jpg
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Download Attachment: Colt M1917 Right side.jpg
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[Edward Tinker]

Lloyd, as usual very nice presentation and nice rig!

Ed

 

[Lloyd in Vegas]

Ed,


Thanks a lot! I have a soft spot in my heart for those big old military .45 caliber revolvers. They are also very fun to shoot because I like those big old holes they make in the target and because those big old holes they make are easier to see. Sort of like those big old 1911s for the same reason!

 

[Edward Tinker]

Agreed. I no longer have a S&W 1917, sold it a long time ago, still have several 45 or 45 clones, they punch a nice hole... :>0

Ed

 

[Heinrich]

Lloyd,
any idea where I can get the lanyard. Have a similar rig but with a Smith & Wesson M 1917.

 

[Dgiz]

Heinrich,
The lanyards are always selling on Ebay, look under "Pistol Lanyard". Usually around 30 bucks. For WW1 and WW2, the Pat 1917 type (pictured above) is the most common. There was one produced in 1943-44 marked Hickok.
Dean

 

[Dgiz]

Lloyd,
You make me feel bad. First I don't even have one of these in my collection! And second,I need to post some of the stuff I do have!
Excellent rig! I like the military revolvers!
Dean

 

[Heinrich]

Lloyd,
Thank you very much for your tip. I will try it.

 

[jacobtowne]

Very nice pictures and an outstanding rig. Must be an early one with that low an Army number. Is it JMG accepted?
I have a Colt M1917 Army SN 124605 shipped Oct. 1918. It's the one on page 79 of Charles Pate's book, "US Handguns of WWII."
I agree Lloyd - these are great guns to shoot. Somehow the recoil is far less bothersome than that of the M1911 - perhaps because I've never grown accustomed to the secondary slap of the slide against the frame.
The M1917 Colt (unlike the slenderer S&W), almost fills my hand, although I shoot it single action. I must note that I've never encontered such a horrendous double action revolver pull in my life.
JT

 

[Heinrich]

Dean,
excuse me. The thank you was of course for your response.

 

[Lloyd in Vegas]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for your remarks on my Colt Army M1917 rig. It is nice to change gears now and then and examine our own domestic vintage historical US Military small arms.

JT, yes it is JMG final acceptance stamped and what J.C. Harrison in his book, U.S. Pistols & Revolvers 1909-1945, calls a middle issue variety.
Download Attachment: Colt Army M1917 Inspector Mark Middle.jpg
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Here is the serial and model designation on the bottom of the grip butt.
Download Attachment: colt Army M1917 Grip Butt Markings Middle.jpg
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[Lloyd in Vegas]

Since there seems to be some interest in these BIG BORE US Military revolvers I thought I would share my other Colt Army M1917 revolver. This one is not in quite the same nice condition as the previous one. It is however in very good condition and in excellent mechanical condition. Although this one is just about 14,000 or so further into production (total production on the Colt M1917s about 155,000) it is what J.C. Harrison in his reference book "U.S. Pistols & Revolvers 1909-1945" calls a late issue. I have shot this revolver before and it is very accurate and with very moderate to low recoil. It has near the top of the left frame in front of the hammer the final acceptance stamp which in this later variety is the Eagle's Head with the number S19. Harrison in his books shows on page #139 acceptance numbers observed 3, S3, 7, S7, S15, S18, and S20. Mine definitely looks like S19 please see attached photo. Anyway, any comments are certainly welcome. I will in a day or so post some pictures of a very nice S & W Army M1917 that I have had in my collection for 10 years--please stay tuned! THANKS
Download Attachment: Colt Army M1917 Left Side.jpg
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Download Attachment: Colt Army M1917 Right Side.jpg
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Download Attachment: Colt Army M1917 Grip Butt Markings Late.jpg
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Download Attachment: Colt Army M1917 Inspector Mark Late.jpg
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[jacobtowne]

Mine's S20 accepted. Did these represent individual ordnance inspectors?
There are also several H's stamped on frame, cylinder, etc. Pate says these represent inspector Frank Hosmer.
JT

 

[George]

I saw a 1917 US ARMY marked Colt at a local gun shop. I would say it is about 75% or so but missing the lanyard at the botton of the frame.

The strange thing that it is marked 44 Russian and 44 S&W or S&W 44 special, not sure.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards,

George

 

[pipeman45]

Try Auction Arms. I think a seller named Bestpawn has several up for bid in one lot.

quote:Originally posted by Heinrich

Lloyd,
any idea where I can get the lanyard. Have a similar rig but with a Smith & Wesson M 1917.

 

[Heinrich]

pipeman45,

Thank you for your response.
In the meantime I had the possibility to purchase one via ebay in USA.
Now my rig is completely.

 

[aaron]

I love these old 1917s, as I own five or six, mostly in mint condition. However, I do have one early S&W with the serrated sides on the hammer, but with a somewhat faded finish, so this is my shooter. I love to shoot it single action, but let off six quick double action shots and your palm will feel like you just shot a .44 Magnum!

 

[Guest]

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Pistol was beautifully finished for a military pistol. This one is serial number 38209. About as 99% as they get.

Download Attachment: S&W-1.jpg
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[rambob]

Here is my S&W M1917 serial number 131870. It is 99% and still has the gorgeous case hardening on the trigger and hammer. I tried to put together a complete rig for it because I have always believed that collecting the gun is only half of the fun.

Download Attachment: US SW M1917.jpg
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[aaron]

Rambob, you show your Model 1917 with two holsters, both of which appear to be WWII issue right hand types. You also include a half moon cartridge pouch on the rig. It is my understanding that these pouches were only used in WWI, so I believe you really need a left hand WWI holster to complete this rig. Does anyone have any more information on this?