[Madmatt]

The 5065 is an arsenal rework number. It was stamped on the parts so that they would all stay together for reassembly. This is very common on 1917s. Military refinishes usually aren't over buffed and still have decent markings. Yours looks pretty decent.

I assumed as much since the cylinder has been reworked to be able to retain .45 ACP rounds without the use of the half moon clips. I believe this was usually only done from the factory in the later phase of production, so on this pistol it must have been done during the re-arsenal. Is there any way to determine an approximate date of a rework or location where this was done? Are their any specific rework markings I should try and locate?

 

[JohnnyP]

No way to rework the early Colt Model 1917 cylinder, as it did not have a shoulder to headspace the .45 ACP cartridge correctly without the half moon clips. On the early Colt 1917 the cartridge would drop too far into the cylinder to be struck by the hammer. During rework the cylinder was changed to later style.

 

[Madmatt]

No way to rework the early Colt Model 1917 cylinder, as it did not have a shoulder to headspace the .45 ACP cartridge correctly without the half moon clips. On the early Colt 1917 the cartridge would drop too far into the cylinder to be struck by the hammer. During rework the cylinder was changed to later style.

That makes sense. I knew the early style cylinder would allow the rounds to drop too far in and that their was a later change to accommodate the use of the half moon clips. I guess I didn't think it through that there would have been no way to machine in a new shelf as the old cylinder chambers were already wide. So during re-arsenal a whole new cylinder was used. Thank you for that info.

 

[Kal collector]

Was there ever books published on the model of 1917 ? Any recommendations for a good read would be appreciated. Thanks in advance . Or is the correct name model 1917 .

 

[JohnnyP]

Since the Model 1917 Colt revolver was a Colt New Service pressed into emergency service for the U.S. military in WW1 it would be hard to write a book on it's short service. Timothy Mullin's book "Colt's New Service Revolver" is a good book on the big Colt revolver, and covers the Model 1917 Colt. The Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector was also pressed into service as a Model 1917 revolver.

 

[DoubleAction.38]

Was there ever books published on the model of 1917 ? Any recommendations for a good read would be appreciated. Thanks in advance . Or is the correct name model 1917 .

Also Charles Pates “Handguns of WW2” has a good chapter on the 1917.

 

[Kal collector]

Also Charles Pates “Handguns of WW2” has a good chapter on the 1917.

I have that book ! I'll have to look at it again
.

 

[rayb]

You may have some or all of this information, if so please excuse my duplication.
1917 with almost new replacement 8" barrel with target type front sight, replacement
oak wood stocks, and drilled for S&W adjustable rear sight.

Serial number on frame & crane: 295888
Army number on Butt, 144 over 573

Thank you for collecting & sharing this information.

rayb

 

[Scottz63]

144573 would be towards the very end of production. Very late 1918 or very early 1919.

 

[Kraaaken]

New to me M1917 serial 142565 the grips are original to the gun with the serial number on them and I think it’s original finish with that blue brushing and the cylinder locks up super tight. I’m excited to have this old girl to go with my 1918 black army 1911!

 

[JohnnyP]

Colt Model 1917 Revolver No.142565 was shipped January 3, 1919 to Springfield Armory.

It was in a group of Colt Model 1917 revolvers No. 142551 thru 142570 turned over to the Justice Department on 12/08/22.

 

[Kraaaken]

Thanks you!

 

[JohnnyP]

The Colt Model 1917 did not get very far in the polishing process, and the polishing was left in the rough state. At the time Colt used large wood wheels that had abrasives glued to them. Some of the wheels were contoured to the part bein polished.

S&W took their Model 1917 Revolver to a higher state of polish.

 

[RMcDowell]

I just inherited my Dad's Colt U.S. Army Model 1917. It has been in his collection for 60+ years in his safe. The story is that it was issued to an Army soldier that was in the rear where a revolver would be a better choice than a rifle for his daily needs. It looks like it probably never left the states, really almost no wear from being carried around at all. It is all original with bluing, not parkerized. I would say it might be 90-95%. Colt number is 301093 and the Service number is 151,614. Any info would be greatly appreciated! If you would like photos or other info from it, let me know. Thanks! Rick

 

[Mholmes1]

Here’s another addition to the list…

Butt Number: 52806
Frame and Crane: 207298
Inspector: JMG for J.M. Gilbert
Shipped on April 15, 1918 to Springfield Armory.

 

[JohnnyP]

Colt Model 1917 serial No.151614 was not in the serial numbers found by Charles Clawson, but falls between January 6, and February 19, 1919 shipments.

It falls into a serial number range turned over to the Post Office Dept after WW1.

 

[Bbarnett]

Scottz63 -

I do not have access to Clawson listing. Can you check whether my NS was one of those that went to the Postal Service? The SN # is 192529, and the Butt # is 46459. It was originally shipped to SPAR on 3/28/1918, in a shipment of 2,400.

 

[JohnnyP]

Scottz63 -

I do not have access to Clawson listing. Can you check whether my NS was one of those that went to the Postal Service? The SN # is 192529, and the Butt # is 46459. It was originally shipped to SPAR on 3/28/1918, in a shipment of 2,400.

No luck.

 

[Scottz63]

Scottz63 -

I do not have access to Clawson listing. Can you check whether my NS was one of those that went to the Postal Service? The SN # is 192529, and the Butt # is 46459. It was originally shipped to SPAR on 3/28/1918, in a shipment of 2,400.

I don't have that info. I just know from years of studying them to date them within a couple of months by the butt number.

 

[Bbarnett]

Thanks for looking.