Guns International #: 101272428
Seller's Inventory #: M19-

Category - Military Revolvers - US - Colt Revolvers - New Service

Category
Military Revolvers - US
Colt Revolvers - New Service

WW1 Issued Colt Model 1917 .45 ACP Revolver w/ Original WW1 U.S. M1909 Holster ** Beautiful Condition! ** SOLD

Description:
These U.S. Military Model 1917 revolvers are one of the true "classic" military revolvers models.  These 6-shot large-frame double-action revolvers feature a military blue finish, a 5.5" inch barrel, smooth American Walnut grips, a lanyard ring on the butt, and are chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge with the rear of the cylinder machined to accept full and half-moon clips.  First produced in 1917 for service with the American Expedionary Force in World War 1, the Model 1917 proved itself a reliable and powerful sidearm during combat.   The Model 1917 remained in production with both Colt and Smith & Wesson throughout WW1 and beyond into the 1920's for continued service in the U.S. Military, despite the 1911 pistol being the primary sidearm of the American armed forces.  With the entry of the United States into World War 2, the U.S. Military found themselves short of the standard-issue Colt 1911s and 1911A1s needed and turned to the Model 1917 revolvers already in inventory.  These WW1-era guns along with WW1-production M1907 holsters were issued anywhere there was a need, with a large percentage of them going to tank, transport, and artillery crewman.  The Model 1917 went on to serve with distinction wherever it was carried in combat in World War 2, and many of these revolvers were "liberated" from the U.S. Military's inventory and taken home by the soldiers that carried them.  This particular Colt Model 1917 and holster is one of these such weapons.  It was originally acquired from a WW2 U.S. Army veteran in Michigan whom brought it home after the war ended.  It is a beautiful example and remains in excellent all-original condition.  It retains 95% of the original "military blue" factory finish, with only some small spots of finish wear showing mainly on the high-edges from holster carry.  As you can see from the pictures, it has obviously been well-cared for since it left the factory despite being carried in WW2.  The bore is mirror-bright and pristine in this Colt, with nice sharp rifling and no pitting or visible imperfections.  The six cylinder bores are equally as clean and bright.  The factory smooth American Walnut grips are in excellent condition and free from any cracks, chips, repairs, or major damage.  Both sides show some minor handling/carry marks but nothing that sticks out as unattractive.  Both sides fit the gun perfectly, and both sides are tight to the frame with zero wiggle.  The original lanyard ring on the butt is also in excellent condition, turning freely and free from dents.  The action on this 1917 is smooth, slick, and precise.  It is perfectly "in time" whether worked fast or slow or in single or double-action. At full-lock the cylinder is perfectly tight with zero play in it.  This Colt Model 1917 would shoot just as reliably and accurately as it did when it left the factory 99 years ago.  As mentioned before, this revolver comes complete with the original holster it was issued in, a G&K made M1907 holster dated 1918.  It is in good shape overall with pliable and soft leather and fully-intact original stitching and rivets.  The holster shows that it was carried with some wear and small marks in the leather, but has a very attractive combat-used look to it.  The worst of the condition issues is on the main top flap where it fastens over the brass stud.  The leather has cracked here across the tab about halfway thru the leather.  We have conditioned it with Black Rock to make sure it doesn't crack any more than it has, but it is certainly weak at this point.  The new owner can leave it as-is or put a few wire stitches thru the area to strengthen it.  The holster is complete with an original leather leg-tie affixed to the brass loop at the bottom, and also has a leather tie thru one of the grommets in the front of the belt loop, likely for attachment of a pistol lanyard.  The "U.S." stamp on the front of the holster is still legible, and the rear of the holster is clearly stamped with the maker's name, date, and U.S. Inspector's initials "G&K 1918 A.G.".  If you have been looking for a beautiful U.S. Military Model 1917 revolver for your collection this Colt example would be an excellent choice.  This display-worthy piece can serve as a great example of one of the finest U.S. Military-issue revolvers ever made that served in both World War 1 and 2.                   

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Model 1917
Serial Number: 289493
Caliber Info: .45 ACP
Bore: Excellent
Condition: Excellent
Barrels: 5.5" Inches
Manufacture Date: 1920
Extras: w/ Original G&K-mfg. U.S. M1909 Holster dated 1918