RWMC
Member
I just inherited my grandpas' S&W 1917 .45 D.A. revolver. It has seen use, but still has a very nice commercial grade blue/black finish. Corrosive ammo at one time was fired in it, due to the very fine light pitting in the bore and on the front of the cylinder face. The barrel, cylinder and frame all have the same serial number. On the butt of the grip is "U.S. Army Model 1917", along with the serial number 128,xxx. A lanyard swivel is also affixed to the butt of the grip. On the upper right corner of the leftt side of the frame is a flaming ordnance bomb stamp. Also on the left side of the frame, behind the trigger is a small eagle head with the number 37 under it. When you open the cylinder latch, there is another small eagle head with a s2 under it stamped on the side of the frame. The same eagle head with a S2 under it is also stamed on the under side of the barrel next to the frame. "United States Property" is also on the under side of the barrel. I was always under the assumption that these military revolvers should have had a matte or parkerized finish, not a nice commercial grade finish such as the one I have. I have seen reblued guns, and to the very best of my ability I can honestly say that this revolver is not reblued. If any of you happen to have info on what finish these revolvers are suppose to have, I would really appreciate it.
Were any of these factory refinished, and then reissued to troops or police? Any info you give will be appreciated.
Were any of these factory refinished, and then reissued to troops or police? Any info you give will be appreciated.