Help evaluating a M1917 revolver

[2AD_Vet]

Hi folks,

I have a chance to acquire a 1918 vintage M1917. The LGS is asking $850 for it. I think that is in the acceptable range but I am not expert.

The pictures pretty much show its condition and if you pull the trigger, it seems to lock up tight.

The thing that bothers me about it is that it doesnt seem to have the Colt pony on it. Did early colts have it or is the fact it appears to be missing normal (or coulds this be a SW reciever with a Colt barrel?) Could it have been sanded off?

Thoughts on this revolver would be appreciated. Is it original? is it worth asking price?

Thanks!





Thanks in advance for your help....

Information

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[browningautorifle]

That's a nice old Colt. I'm not in the US so my eval would be irrelevant...you could try looking in Gunbroker for comparisons...more will be along shortly too. Nice gun...

[2AD_Vet]

I am most interested to hear the feedback from this forum to aid in me determining if I should purchase it or wait for another specimen to come along.

[emmagee1917]

The Colt and S/W recievers are completely different . It's not at all like a Colt vs Remington Rand M1911A1s where parts can be switched.
It is all Colt . The number on the butt is the " service number " that was used by the military . The six digit number is the Colt serial number , and the four digit number is a Colt internal number used during manufacture. It looks good for the price . You're the only one that can decide if it's good enough or " salty" enough for your tastes.
I can't answer about the pony , as it's been awhile sense I've looked closely at mine. Others can chime in . Does it have " bored through " chambers or steped ?
Chris

[Johnny Peppers]

It is a bit unusual that it doesn't have the Rampant Colt on the left side of the frame. Does it have the acceptance initials on the top left rear of the frame?

The number on the butt is the military service/serial number which began with 1. The six digit number under the crane is the continuation of the Colt New Service serial number. The S&W only had the military service/serial number on the butt.

That is an early Colt Model 1917, and the cylinders are bored through without the shoulder for the .45ACP round to headspace on, and must be used with the half moon clips to hold the ammo.

The price is probably top dollar, but interesting due to the early number.

By the way, it was shipped November 27, 1917 to Springfield Armory.

[gunfish]

Are the stocks numbered? Look for a penciled serial# that matches the # stamped in the crane cutout of the frame.

[River Gnome]

The rampant colts weren't very deeply stamped and tended to disappear with refinishing. Might want to check for signs of arsenal refurbing.
I know of one from last year, arsenal refurbished, missing colt, less finish than this one, good condition though. Went for less than $300 on gunbroker. I'm not saying that is representative.

[Johnny Peppers]

If arsenal refinished it would be in phosphate. All the other markings look strong, but would like to know if the acceptance initials are still present.