??? Colt 1917 ??? What do I do???

[eye-4n-eye]

Today I was given a 1917 Colt U.S. Army Edition. It is in mint condition and he said it has only been fired 45 times by him. I recieved this gun from a very close family friend who got it brand new in the Military, he has had it in his attic for over 50 years. He took it out only to fire a couple shots and then clean it. I can post pics and see what you think. I am unsure of the history of this handgun, and I want to find out more. How do I go about researching my new gun. I need to get an appraisal value also. Could someone send me their contact info so I can send pictures and find out what to do. I really dont know what I got untill I hear from an expert. I have been looking on the internet and I cant find one this nice. I found the serial number, but I dont know anything about this weapon. Any help is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks for your time - eye-4n-eye

 

[BHP FAN]

you should go to gunpastsco's website and get some moon clips,then buy some .45acp.Then do an internet search ...

 

[Dr.Rob]

What do you do? Clean it, take your time taking pics, post them here and let our panel of experts have a look.

Several of us collect old Colts (myself included) and will be happy to chime in.

 

[Jim K]

The Colt Model 1917 has two serial numbers, since it is part of the Colt New Service series. The butt serial number is the army serial number; the number on the frame under the crane is the New Service serial number.

That gun is made to fire the .45 ACP (auto pistol) round using steel "half-moon" clips. It will not accept .45 Colt, the longer round used in other Colt .45 revolvers. It will also accept a round known as the .45 Auto Rim, which has an extra thick rim to allow extraction and make up for the thickness of the clip.

In WWI, the U.S. was desperately short of military handguns. The standard pistol was the Model 1911 semi-auto pistol but there were not enough of them. So the Army contracted with both Colt and Smith & Wesson to make revolvers that would fire the standard .45 pistol cartridge. The term "Revolver, Model 1917" is applied to both makes of revolver.

Jim

 

[tkendrick]

I used to own 2 of those. I let myself get talked out of both of them. I have ALWAYS regretted it.

Hang on to it, they are a truely neat gun to own and to shoot.

 

[eye-4n-eye]

I need to know how to post pictures of this gun. I took them, but I just dont know where to post them on this site? How do I do that? I am curious to see what you guys think. the pictures really dont do justice!!

 

[Liberty1776]

also, for posterity - have your friend write down it's history - when and where it was issued to him, how long he had it while in the military - everything... it's all important and helps to establish value from what they call provenance... neat gun!