U. S. Army Colt M1917 .45 cal. Revolver

Colt Model 1917, U.S. Army issue .45 ACP caliber, World War-I revolver. When the United States entered World War I, the government arsenals were not prepared to issue the standard Colt Model 1911 .45 caliber automatic pistol in the numbers required. The most expedient fix was to have Colt and Smith & Wesson alter their large frame double action revolvers to take the rimless .45 ACP government cartridge used in the auto pistol. Because this round lacked a rim for the star extractor of the revolver to grab for extraction of fired cases, the ?half-moon? three round clip was devised. This spring steel clip held three rimless cartridges in the extraction groove and allowed them to be quickly loaded into the cylinder. When the cartridges were fired, the extractor easily pushed the shells from the cylinder for reloading. The Colt 1917 saw hard use in the trenches of The Great War, and many were refurbished by the arsenals for duty throughout the Second World War. This fine and early example displays a dark patina to the original Colt ?brushed blue? military finish. Many of these models were also sold as surplus in later years, where once more they were refinished. Under the barrel is the desirable stamping, 'UNITED STATES PROPERTY.' On the barrel top are the correct Colt address and patent markings. The left side of the barrel is stamped 'COLT D. A. 45' with the D.A., meaning double action, in which by simply pulling the trigger the hammer is cocked, released, and the cartridge is fired. The revolver can also be fired by pulling the hammer back to full cock for finer aiming. The butt of this fine example retains the original lanyard swivel these are frequently found removed and the correct marking, 'U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917 No. 21905.' Often when one of these revolvers left the service and was sold commercially, these United States markings were ground off. The crane holding the cylinder and the frame have matching serial numbers. The frame also retains the correct government inspector stamps. The smooth walnut grips are in excellent condition overall, and the front sight has not been altered. Mechanically tight and with bright bore, this Colt 1917 would be hard to improve upon. This Colt is a truly outstanding piece of World War I history that was manufactured in 1919. Serial Number: 210824. This Colt revolver is shown with the correct lanyard, belt, holster, and ammo for the M1917.  The revolver/holster was intentionally worn on the right side with the butt of the revolver pointing forward.  This allowed for a cross-body draw with the left hand while the right was holding a bolo knife for defense.  See: 2021 Article by the NRA 'The 1917 Colt and Smith and Wesson revolvers   See: 2021 Article by the NRA 'The Colt New Service: A Look Back'   See: Mullin's book, page. 78

 

 

Underside of barrel is marked 'United States Property'

Butt marked " U. S. Army Model 1917 / No. 65 / 094

 

Note the rough 'military' finish as opposed to Colt's usual

smooth high gloss bluing on their commercial revolvers and the

Military inspection marking opposite the hammer

Marked 'Colt D.A. 45' (Double Action)

 

 

Boxes of .45 Cal. Pistol Ball ammo for M191l,

interchangeable with the M1917 from 1918

Frankford Arsenal box in this collection

Metal .45 cal. half-moon ammo clips. 

Clip and spent cartridge is ejected together. 

This clip was the only way 45 ACP AUTO ammo could be used in a revolver.

     

 

1917 marked lanyard for the Colt M1917

  

'U.S.' marked web belt with correct 1917

ammo pouch (below) which snaps onto the belt.

 

Below, a 'G. K.' (Graton & Knight Manufacturing

Co. of Worcester, Massachusetts)

 '1918' marked holster for the M1917 Colt revolver

 

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