U.s. Army 1917 revolver

[Jacko]

I inherited my grandfathers U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917 revolver. I was hoping some of you out there may help me figure this fine gun out. The frame of the gun has the colt stamp on it. The cylinder has a hand ejector. The strange thing is on the side of the barrel it says "NEW SERVICE RUSSIAN AND S&W SPECIAL 44". On the top of the barrel it says " COLT'S PT FA MFG CO HARTFORD CT PAT'D AUG 5, 1884 JULY 4, 1905 OCT 5, 1926". I have tried to look it up but with no luck. I does not accet a 45 acp round in cylinder, but a 44 mag shell will go in but can not close cylinder. Will it fire a regular 44 special round? The only thing wrong physically is the grip is broke on the left side. The serial #s on the frame and the cylinder match. It has hand ejector on the cylinder. The bluing is pristine. I would really like to fire this gun if i can. Also, what would the value be for insurance purposes? Thank you for any help you may provide in advance.

[Armyphotog]

Picture would help, but it apparently is not a U.S. Army Model 1917, as you did not mention anything about that being stamped on the butt, and it wouldn't be using those calibers. The barrel would be stamped COLT DA .45. Nor did you mention any proper military stamping, or the U.S. Property marking on the barrel. Sounds like a lend-lease model or something else I'm not familiar with. Don't get you hopes up as being worth a lot. I'm sure some of the other members can zero in on it for you.

[DPris]

If it says .44 Special on the barrel, that's what it shoots.
The .44 Russian caliber is shorter than the .44 Mag & should also fit, if you want to chase any down.

Sounds like a commercial New Service, not a Model 1917.
Denis

[bofg]

I am sure others will have more information but it sounds like a Colt New Service Model not the Model 1917, also since the patent date you mentioned is 1926 it would have to have been made in 1926 or more than likely later. The Colt New Service was available in the .44 Russian and S&W Special.

[Oyeboten]

Hi Jacko,



Or...while the Colt Model of 1917 Revolver was a "New Service", not all New service Revolvers were Model of 1917.


Post some images of..!


We love seeing old Colts.


But anyway, "Yes", assuming the Mechanicals are in good condition, and, the Bore is good and clear, meaning, so long as your Revolver is in Safe to Shoot condition, your Revolver would be fine with .44 Special Cartrides.

[Jacko]

It does have stamped on the butt... U.S. Army Model 1917 NO. 98xxx. There is no stamp saying United States Property on bottom, or Colt DA .45. I will get some pics and post them. It is a sweet looking gun though. Thank you all for your posts and info. Look forward to showing what it looks like. Would really like to shoot it.

[DPris]

Could be a re-barreled/re-cylindered parts gun, could be a commercial gun using up 1917 frames.
Denis

[feralmerril]

If its stamped that on the butt and has a .44 special barrel it most definetly must be rebarreled and a 44 special clyinder.

[bofg]

I would also say a rebarrel, with the 1926 patent on the barrel that wouldn't have been on an original Model 1917 I don't believe.

[Oyeboten]

Huh!

Well, does sound like a re-Barrel and re-Cylinder of a M1917 Frame then.