U.S. Army Model 1917 Smith & Wesson S&W .45 ACP Hand Ejector Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,271.00
LSB#: LSB260416SS008
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .45 Hand Ejector U.S. Army Model 1917
Serial Number: 70873
Year of Manufacture: 1917-1919 / C&R (reference S&W Standard catalog)
Caliber: .45 ACP / .45 Autorim
Action Type: Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “S&W D.A. 45”, the top is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A.” / “PATENTED DEC. 17. 1901. FEB. 6. 1906. SEP. 14. 1909”. The left side of the frame is marked with an ordinance flaming bomb proof at the top corner behind the cylinder. The butt is marked “U.S.” / “ARMY” / “MODEL” / “1917” and “No 70873”. The rear face of the cylinder and barrel flat are marked with the serial number. The bottom of the barrel is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The half-round blade integral front sight is fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is only a “U” notch in the end of a groove in the top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The smooth military style grips are two-piece smooth walnut. There is some finish wear, particularly on the bottom edge of the grip panels. There are some scattered handling marks, compression dents, and scratches. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, in this writer’s opinion the grips are in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the and the rifling is defined. There is slight corrosion in the muzzle end of the barrel. The bore rates at 8/10 in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are scratches, and scuffs that have thinned the finish, and some finish loss at the muzzle. There is a sharp turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this revolver is in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, single-action is crisp. The cylinder lockup is very tight with minimal play and no endshake. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather holster and 3 moon clips
Our Assessment: When the United States found itself belatedly entering WWI, it had a strong need for small arms. The Smith & Wesson U.S. Army Model 1917 was developed to supplement production of the Colt and Springfield 1911 pistols. Built on Smith & Wesson’s large N-frame platform, the weapon was chambered for the military-issue .45 ACP cartridge using half-moon clips invented by Daniel Wesson.
The later development of the .45 Auto Rim cartridge allowed these revolvers to function without clips, further extending their utility in civilian hands after the war. With over 163,000 produced between 1917 and 1919, these revolvers became enduring symbols of America’s rapid wartime industrial expansion and remain closely associated with the doughboys of the American Expeditionary Forces.
This example has a middle issue production “flaming bomb” acceptance mark consistent with its 42,000 to April 1918 serial.
This example remains in attractive Good to Very Good condition with strong original finish retention and clear military markings throughout, including the “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” barrel marking and “U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917” butt stamp. The revolver displays honest service wear with scattered handling marks, while the smooth walnut military grips remain solid and retain their penciled serial number inside the right panel. The bore shows just a little age, but the revolver maintains strong mechanical function with smooth double action operation and tight lockup. Accompanied by a reproduction leather holster and three moon clips, this revolver offers a compelling presentation of one of America’s most recognizable wartime handguns, evoking the trenches, transport ships, and Belleau Wood.
Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition. -C.B.