New to me Colt M1917

[browningautorifle]

usually that would be stamped with coded markings to indicate who/when/why etc.

Could have been done by a guy since release. We did lots of that sort.

Information

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[82Trooper]

Any thoughts on the writing on the grips?

[gsimmons]

Look up the battle of Chateau-Thierry 18 July 1918.

[82Trooper]

Look up the battle of Chateau-Thierry 18 July 1918.

Of course I did this....one of the first major engagements by the American Expeditionary Force in WWI, and a precursor to the battle at Belleau Wood. Generally, these two battles are identified as America's "baptism of fire" during the Great War.
I guess what I was really asking was if writing a name or battle locations and dates was "a thing" soldiers did, in those days, on the grips. Has anyone seen this before? Does it potentially lend credibility to this pistol's provenance (or at least the grips!) that they were at Chateau-Thierry?
Thanks again for any thoughtful insight....

[browningautorifle]

I guess what I was really asking was if writing a name or battle locations and dates was "a thing" soldiers did, Has anyone seen this before?

I had a Krag school gun that had obviously been a rifle before and it had names of ports and Chinese cities written inside the stock under the barrel.

[mrclark303]

What a unique piece of history, a true piece of American and WW1 history.

I would say the grip inscription adds considerably to its value.