Colt 1917 what should I look for?

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jsalcedo

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I've been getting into old military pattern revolvers of the 20th century.

I have my sights set on a colt 1917.
Like this:
colt1917.png


Been looking on and off for 4 years

I've found well worn and finishless examples for $700 to $900 in a couple of shops. I thought those prices were a bit outrageous for a loose gun with no finish and barely visible rifling.

Last gunshow There was a 1917 rechambered from .455 webley to .45 colt
(or thats what the guy said) It was in about 75% condition except the ejector rod was missing the knurled end. He wanted $200
Passed...


There was a seller with a pristine (looked re-arsenaled or unfired)1917 with british proofmarks chambered in .455 eley. He was willing to take $550

It was a beautiful example..the only problem is I know .455 eley ammo is as common as hens teeth.

I am getting frustrated not being able to find a decent shooter in the right caliber and condition.

Any tips from you collectors out there?
 
I have a smith 1917, in 95% condition. Wish I had a Colt as well to go with the 1911's I have. My suggestion, wait and get the gun you want. If you know its bad, keep on looking, as you have been. The prices you mentioned for the unfinished/worn ones do sound way high, even for a colt. If I was looking I would be looking for one in the same condition of the S&W that I have currently, and in 45ACP.

I would imagine that you are trying different website listings and local gun shops. My guess is that many people that have these guns, do not want to get rid of them. You might have to search estate sales...

Wish I had a magic pill for you. Maybe someone here will give you a lead. Good Luck....
 
Unfortunately there are two kinds of 1917 Colts these days. Those in very nice shape that cost as much as a new pick-up, and those that are more reasonably priced but badly beat. Keep in mind that parts to fix these are getting scarce - and expensive. Also there are fewer and fewer 'smiths who know how to fix them, and they are getting to be expensive too.

You may have better luck finding a commercial New Service in .45 Colt. They too draw high prices, but sometimes not as high as a 1917 in equal condition.

I think your best bet, considering the probable cost of fixing up a beater, is to wait until you find one in good shape - especially in regards to locking up tight and having lockwork that's still in time. Then pay the price, even though it will likely be stiff, because I don't think they are going to get any cheaper.
 
I know where a GREAT one is. www.dixiegunworks.com 70% blue. There is a bruise to the left grip. The holster is marked G&K/1918/A.G. There is two 3 compartment pouches and 10 half moon clips with WWI period 45 ACP rounds. They want less than $800 for her. I would also get their antique arms catalog. A 3 issue subscription is only $12.00. I looked this revolver over a week ago.
 
Interesting ......

I was looking at that one too. Since it was still blued it must have been "liberated" from the service before World War Two. You don't often see a complete outfit either.
 
How about one in 98% for $795?

D4139%20L.jpg

D4139%20R.jpg
 
Blue B:

The New Service in question is in Dixie's Antique Arms Catalog, #55. Unfortunately the clip pouches are part of a package with the gun. The New Service 1917 you posted - is it blued or Parkerized? If it still has the original blue finish and is indeed in overall 98% condition I'd say the price is reasonable in today's market.
 
Quote:
---------------------------------------------
Last gunshow There was a 1917 rechambered from .455 webley to .45 colt
(or thats what the guy said) It was in about 75% condition except the ejector rod was missing the knurled end. He wanted $200
Passed...
----------------------------------------------

Next time you see that gun, call me!

The .455 Webley is identical to the .45 Colt except for two points, rim thickness and case length. Typically guns made for the .455 Webley will not close with the thicker Colt rim, and the "rechambering" is simply lightly milling a few thousands of an inch off the back of the cylinder.

You could buy this gun for $200 and not worry about ruining it's "collector value." AND you could afford to sink another two or three hundred into re-finishing and tightening it up, and STILL have a bargain.
 
Preacherman has first dibs on my 95% but he MUST take all the other WW1 outfit that includes-everthing! What you look for on a 1917 US , besides general mech cond is: the 'brushed' blue finish. They brushed the foward part of barrel in a different direction to the frame. Get the later guns, 1918 is great, as the chambers on early ones are bored straight thru so you HAVE to use moon clips. I like shooting my guns with no clips, you can pluck the rounds easily out as alot is exposed. Mostly they fall out!
 
If that second one is 98%, I'd say the grips aren't. Or they aren't original. It's pretty rare to see a nicely blued gun with beat up wood (see the big gouge right hand side?). I suspect a re-blue. The other reason I say that is the trigger is blued, all the original ones I've seen that are blue/nickel the trigger is nickel, too.

When I bought mine I knew it was a re-blue, because the horse was slightly filled in. I understand some were charcoal blue and that bluing isn't very tough.

What to look for?

In a Collector that all the numbered parts match, that it's a WW1 vintage production gun and that it has original finish.

If it's a shooter follw Jim March's revolver check list, see if the finish fits up to your standards and get a ball park idea of what one is worth.

Me, I look for "carried a lot, shot very little."


A New Service is a robust, shootable collector and the price varies greatly.

WW1 vintage Colts have the sn#'s 94501-146000 (that's 1917 & 1918 production)
 
Thanks for the great info.

I'm going to take a closer look at the ones sitting at the gunshop.
 
Concerning Colt U.S. M-1917 revolvers, there are two series of serial numbers. The Colt number is stamped on the frame, opposite the crane and under the barrel. These numbers were a continuation within the regular New Service series and started around 146000. (Other sources say 150,000)

The number on the butt is the U.S. Army’s serial number, and started at No. 1

154,800 revolvers were manufactured between October, 1917 and February, 1919.
 
Lesson number one: No old Colt (no matter the condition) will ever be bought cheap these days.

Lesson number two: In case it didn't sink in, refer back to lesson number one.

For passing on the deal of a paltry $200 on a converted Model 1917 w/one minor missing part, assume the position for the placement of a set of horseshoes prints.
 
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