Winchester Model of 17

[otter280]

I have a US Model of 1917 Winchester and am looking for any info on it. The serial # starts with 444***. At the end of the barrel there is a W, some insignia, and the the numbers 9 18. I'm curious what all the insignia means...Any data including estimated value would be appreciated...

 

[Jim Watson]

The W stands for Winchester, oddly enough.
The "insignia" is probably the Ordnance Bomb applied to military gun barrels at the time.
9 18 means at least the barrel and probably the whole gun was made in September 1918.

Value depends on condition and originality. A couple of hundred if it is altered or neglected, several hundred bucks if GI and in good shape.

 

[otter280]

Winchester Model1917

Thanks for your information... Its actually very helpful... there are also other insignia farther down the barrel however it's hard to explain them...the condition is good however the forearm extention that would hold the bayonet is not there. In fact the forearm of the gun looks like any gun would and appears as thought there was never an extension on the gun....

thanks again for your help...

 

[Jim Watson]

The gun has been "sporterized", apparently in the simplest fashion by cutting off the stock and discarding the front band and handguard. Resale value is low.

 

[Jim K]

Model 1917's have an array of inspector's markings, plus the eagle head that is the U.S. Army acceptance marking, and the parts letters indicating the maker.

The identity of the inspectors and even exact purpose of many of those marks has been lost.

Jim