U.S. Army Model 1917 Smith & Wesson S&W .45 ACP Hand Ejector Revolver C&R

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SOLD FOR: $1,326.00

LSB#: LSB260625WM054

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .45 Hand Ejector U.S. Army, Model 1917

Serial Number: 26760

Year of Manufacture: 1917-1919 / C&R (reference S&W Standard catalog)

Caliber: .45 ACP / .45 Auto Rim

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 a GHS proof at the top corner behind the cylinder. The butt is marked “U.S.” / “ARMY” / “MODEL” / “1917” and “No 26760”. 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 handling wear, particularly on the bottom edge of the grip panels, in the form of scratches and compression marks. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, in this writer’s opinion the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued with case-colored hammer and trigger.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined. There is light corrosion pitting in the barrel. The bore rates at 6.5/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are areas of corrosion-inspired blueing loss on both cylinder and top strap. There is operational wear on the yoke and yoke cut. There is corrosion freckling on the grip frame and a little on the frame. Light corrosion wear is present in scratches throughout. There is a sharp turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The screw heads vary from sharp to lightly tooled. 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: None.

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 “GHS” acceptance mark consistent with its early-issue 26760 serial number.

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. The bore shows 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.