S&W 1917 Side Plate N Frame

In theory yes. In practice maybe not. During the "good ol' days" sideplates were hand-fitted to each individual farme - sometimes so well it was hard to see the outline. If you find a sideplate it will likely will have been salvaged off of another revolver, and therefore not be a perfect fit on your gun. In any case some fitting will probably be required to get it to fit on a different frame anyway.

Sideplates are not common, but you might find a used one at: (www.e-gunparts.com)

Fuff is correct. Finding A sideplate isn't really hard. I know guys who have dozens of them. And they've had them for years because they can't find a gun they really fit.

If it were mine, I'd just buff the sideplate to reduce the pitting and then reblue it.

But it would have to be very badly pitted before I'd do anything.

I think the sideplate can be restored ...

But be sure the work is done by hand polishing, not on a wheel, and that the plate is polished while on the frame to insure a matching fit. Doing this is not difficult, but doing it right is. Pick your refinisher carefully, or do the preliminary work yourself.