Developed jointly with Springfield Armory, the Model 1917 revolver was intended to compensate for expected shortages of the M1911 Automatic. Both Colt and Smith and Wesson made them. This is a good example of the S&W, essentially a modified S&W Second Model Hand Ejector chambered for the .45 Automatic Colt Pistol Cartridge. Those cartridges were rimless, so the pistol was designed to receive them in the cylinder held by half-moon clips, but S&W also machined the cylinder and chambers to give proper headspace to enable them to use the cartridges without the clips, though spent cases would then have to be removed individually, something Colt only did later. The first of these were shipped in September 1917 and by the end of the war more than 150,000 had been produced by S&W and a similar number by Colt.

This example is in the standard configuration with 5 ½ inch barrel, polished blue finish with case hardened hammer and trigger, fixed sights, and two-piece walnut grips with a lanyard ring. This has crisp markings, including the S&W Springfield maker and patent stamps on the top of the barrel, “S. & W. D.A. 45” on the left, and “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on the underside. A flaming ordnance bomb stamp is on the left side of the frame between the cylinder and the hammer. The cylinder shows some thin blue mixing with plum and some lighter metal from handling, with a slight drag line and rubbing to the edges. Serial number 51625 is stamped on inside of the frame and on the cylinder “hinge”. The barrel and frame have good coverage of finish, largely shifted to plum with some blue on the ejector assembly and protected areas near the screws, etc. Bore is clean and bright with light rifling. Hammer and trigger show some case color. The grips have light wear but good color. The lanyard ring is in place. Butt strap shows light file marks leaving only a few random numbers visible.

These pistols had a long service life in the military and in civilian hands. They were also brought back into service in World War Two and saw some limited use in Vietnam. This one is in good condition, and fortunately escaped later parkerization, etc.  A very attractive revolver.   [sr/jet] [ph:m/L]

Firearm may only be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL Holder) - If you are not a licensed dealer, you must make arrangements with a dealer in your state to receive the firearm and transfer it to you.

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