Here for your perusal is Colt US Army Model of 1917 .45ACP Colt serial number 270348 and butt number US Army serial number 119613 probably shipped in October 1918. Came with half and full moon clips so will post range report soon.
Picked this up from a girlfriend of my Missus a few years back. Gun was issued to her Dad back in the early 1920s while he was assigned to the USBP. He carried it for 30+ years til he retired. Then it sat on closet shelf for 50 more. The Wife's friend needed some cash for a move, and offered it to me at a very good price. I told her the gun was worth much more, and went with her to a couple of gunshops for appraisal and sale. Best offer she got was $650.00, so I offered her $800 or $850 for the gun. It was originally parkerized, but its owner had it blued. After so many years of use - and then, neglect it looked in pretty bad shape. I took it in to a local gun shop/range/gunsmith and asked to have it deep cleaned. Told the Smith I was interested in having it blued, but he persuaded me to have it reparkerized instead - taking it back to its original appearance. The gun is in really good shape and still shoot well for me out to 20 yards or so. Only take it out once in a while, but when I do - I really enjoy shooting it.
What amazes me the most about these old Colts is the craftsmanship that went into this revolver. Check out the side plate to frame fit in that side view photo. Remembering that this revolver was made over 100 years ago by some guy filing and fitting parts is amazing.
Nice find.
Have to admit, I also like the S&W 1917 better. Finding one for sale in my area is almost impossible. Finding one I could afford is as bad. Maybe I could trade my Dodge pickup - nah, don't think anyone would swap me even.
My S&W is a Brazillian contract… kinda looked over by more serious collectors. I’ve other N frame S&W (as well as a bunch of J frames) so maybe that’s why I would rather have a Colt (my only other Colt wheel gun is a SAA).