anapex
Member
I found one in pretty good shape. Lock up is still tight and the finish looks 95-98% (May be refinished couldn't tell). So what should one of these run? and anything besides lockup and timing I should look out for on this model?
S&W 1917 .45acp
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knzn
Member
Sorry but I dont have a current "blue book" of values, and am just not up on 1917's going prices. BUT if you like it and want it, BUY IT. There will always be someone around to tell you how you got shafted, but you just dont come accross too many 90% 1917's anymore.
Personally, I am thinking any thing around $300 ish is not bad.
Personally, I am thinking any thing around $300 ish is not bad.
If this is a USGI Smith & Wesson model 1917 with 95%+ of it's ORIGINAL blue finish and has a clean bore and chambers (many don't) it's worth closer to $600.00 in today's market place.
Besides the obvious check inside the grips to see if they are serial numbered to the gun. The back of the cylinder and bottom of the barrel under the extractor rod should also have matching numbers.
Look at the markings to see if they are crisp, or look buffed out. This should clue you if the gun's been reblued.
Besides the obvious check inside the grips to see if they are serial numbered to the gun. The back of the cylinder and bottom of the barrel under the extractor rod should also have matching numbers.
Look at the markings to see if they are crisp, or look buffed out. This should clue you if the gun's been reblued.
Gordon
Member
Well Old Fuff , I hate to tell you Old Pard but"If this is a USGI Smith & Wesson model 1917 with 95%+ of it's ORIGINAL blue finish and has a clean bore and chambers (many don't) it's worth closer to $600.00 in today's market place." is NOW $900 and nicely refinished is $500!!! S&W 1917's are worth $700 UP(quickly) in their civilian format. The Brazilian ones go for $400 . You can get modified or ratty ones for $300 up. These guns are the 'hotties' right now, only eclipsed by .44 spl N frames in rising value. New Services aren't selling right now like the S&Ws are!
5 Years ago I had my S&W 1917 appraised for insurance purposes. They put it at 98%. If it had a box it would of been 99%. They put a replacment value of $900. I would guess that it may be closer to $1,000-$1,200 now. Smooth grips and lanyard included... This is original and not refinished.
Just to give you an idea.... Good Luck!
No, not for sale... Been in the family since the earliy 30's... Made in 1918.
Just to give you an idea.... Good Luck!
No, not for sale... Been in the family since the earliy 30's... Made in 1918.
Josey
member
I just looked one over. $1250.00. It was original, no box and was losing a little blue to holster wear. It did come with a holster. I am going to check out a estate sale this weekend. A gun collection started just after 1917. I expect good things.
stans
Member
I think $1250 for a S&W model 1917 is a crack pipe dream! I know prices are always going up, but I have yet to see one sell for anything near that price!
Gordon:
The true value of any gun is what someone will pay for it. In the case of a S&W 1917 revolver the asking/selling price often varies widely. "knzn" suggested $300.00. Others have speculated up to $1,200.00. The true answer is, it depends on who is selling the gun to whom, and where the transaction is occurring.
Recently I noticed a S&W Military & Police revolver being offered for sale on this forum. It was in the "C" serial number range, made around 1948 or as late as 1952. It was a nice, but not exceptional piece in about 95 to 98 percent condition (I'm judging from a photograph). I would have valued the gun at between $250.00 to $300.00, but the seller wanted (as I remember) $450.00. Now I can, and have recently purchased similar revolvers in the price range I stated, or less. But he quickly sold the gun in question for an unstated amount, but I presume he got his asking price.
So one could say that all Military & Police .38 revolvers made during this time period, and in the same condition are now worth $450.00 or more, not withstanding the fact that a careful shopper could buy such guns for half that, or slightly more.
As I said before, it all depends on the situation, but I'll stand on my $600.00 estimate as something one could expect to get selling the gun anywhere, and without special circumstances. If someone can get more that's fine.
The true value of any gun is what someone will pay for it. In the case of a S&W 1917 revolver the asking/selling price often varies widely. "knzn" suggested $300.00. Others have speculated up to $1,200.00. The true answer is, it depends on who is selling the gun to whom, and where the transaction is occurring.
Recently I noticed a S&W Military & Police revolver being offered for sale on this forum. It was in the "C" serial number range, made around 1948 or as late as 1952. It was a nice, but not exceptional piece in about 95 to 98 percent condition (I'm judging from a photograph). I would have valued the gun at between $250.00 to $300.00, but the seller wanted (as I remember) $450.00. Now I can, and have recently purchased similar revolvers in the price range I stated, or less. But he quickly sold the gun in question for an unstated amount, but I presume he got his asking price.
So one could say that all Military & Police .38 revolvers made during this time period, and in the same condition are now worth $450.00 or more, not withstanding the fact that a careful shopper could buy such guns for half that, or slightly more.
As I said before, it all depends on the situation, but I'll stand on my $600.00 estimate as something one could expect to get selling the gun anywhere, and without special circumstances. If someone can get more that's fine.
stans
Member
I agree with you Fuff, I have seen minty 1917's at an asking price of $600, maybe they sell, maybe they don't. If someone is desparate to add one to their collection, logic may fly out the window when it comes to price.
anapex
Member
Well it was a USGI with all matching numbers (except for the grips forgot to check those), Looking at it in some better light I'd probably rate it now at 80-85% finish. The barrel looked somewhat frosted by only near the end for some reason, the rest of the bore looked clean. They wanted $375 for it, So I'll try and get some pictures up when my seven days are up
stans
Member
From what I have seen at recent gunshows, a military 1917 in the condition you described would go for $350.
Gordon
Member
In condition as described it would be $500+ here in Kali. Being a C&R is a big plus here and like I said S&W1917s are out paceing New Services here-go figure!
So far as double-action, hand ejector revolvers are concerned I think that Smith & Wesson's are generally more popular with most buyers - except for a hard core of Colt fans. So far as shooters are concerned the 1917/New Service revolver is a very big one, with a grip that requires a big paw. That, and the fact that parts, repairs, and accessories can be hard to find also have an effect. But some, if not all, of these older Colt's can be found at bargain prices, and if they are in good condition offer excellent buys.
The California marketplace is a strange one, because of too many idiot laws that twist it in unpredictable directions. But I'd say if someone wants to discount Colt's take advantage of it. You'll win in the long run.
The California marketplace is a strange one, because of too many idiot laws that twist it in unpredictable directions. But I'd say if someone wants to discount Colt's take advantage of it. You'll win in the long run.
stans
Member
My 1917 is a Colt, number 245XX, parkerized by Uncle Sam for re-issue during WW II, it has wear on the finish and, unfortunately, the cylinder throats and barrel are pitted.
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