Smith and Wesson 1917 45ACP $$??

[gtiguy]

I don't have pics but I've been told it's mint, with a set of ivory grips included...Whats a good buy price for this gun?

 

[SMITH45]

Is it a military, is it a commercial version , or a brazilian contract one ? Those in mint are scarce and can get you a good value, But we need more than your description for a good appraisal. Serial # is ? just show us the 3 first digit or letter + some pics?

Yves

 

[gtiguy]

Thanx for your reply, I'll have the info tomorrow evening, please check back

 

[gtiguy]

I had a look at it today,455 cal. not 45acp....1905 last patent date,ramp style King front sight, blade (adj) rear sight, hole for lanyard ring, deep blue not reblue finish,95% there,no military markings, ser.#472XX five digits.On the butt there's a small crown stamp witha letter under..It was not BP though...any ideas??? value? or is the thing a bubba? the front sight makes me wonder, as does the commercial finish..

 

[Gibbs505]

Just a guess, but it could be a buy for a british army officer. They were allowed to buy their own service revolvers at that time. Don't know about the front sight though.

 

[John Sukey]

At that time they wern't "allowed" to buy their service revolvers, they were EXPECTED to buy them.

Other ranks had them issued.

 

[NAA]

I had a look at it today,455 cal. not 45acp....1905 last patent date,ramp style King front sight, blade (adj) rear sight, hole for lanyard ring, deep blue not reblue finish,95% there,no military markings, ser.#472XX five digits.On the butt there's a small crown stamp witha letter under..It was not BP though...any ideas??? value? or is the thing a bubba? the front sight makes me wonder, as does the commercial finish..

It's not a Model 1917, it's a S&W "Handejector"......

I'm betting the stamp on the butt is a Crown over "30"?

The sites are after mfg replacement as original S&W Handejector models never came with adjustable rear site. The front site looks like it has been replaced or modified to suit the new rear site.

If matching, you will also find the serial number stamped on the rear face of the cylinder & on the underside of the barrel.

In "original" form the sites should look like this [this one is in serial number range 67,###]:

 

[green]

The crown over number on the butt is probably a Canadian inspector stamp.
The mods to the sight and grip will negatively affect the value.