December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
The 1917 was a revolver designed to shoot .45 ACP or .45 Auto Rim and was wildly popular during World War I, with approximately 175,000 revolvers produced and an additional 25,000 revolvers produced for Brazil via contract in 1937. Commercially, the gun was manufactured until 1948, and 210,000 were produced. Of that nearly 400,000 unit production history, only 5 are speculated to have been produced with the target variation with a pinned Patridge front sight on a raised base and a rear sight contoured into the notch. This example has both features, but the front sight appears to be a replacement. An included letter from Roy Jinks confirms that this gun shipped as a "Smith & Wesson .45 Hand Ejector Model of 1917, Post World War I, Rare Target Variation, caliber .45 ACP or .45 Auto Rim, revolver", serial number 172808, March 24th, 1921, and delivered to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., Chicago, Illinois, with 5 - 1/2" barrel, adjustable rear target sight, blue finish, butt swivel, and checkered walnut grips without medallions. S&W trademark on left side of frame, "S. & W. D.A. 45" on left side of barrel, serials on crane recess and butt, with a small "(Eagle head) / S2" also on crane recess. CONDITION: Metal retains the majority of the blue finish with some mild oxidation on front sight and a few small spots on left side of barrel. Barrel has plum browning coming through on both sides but still retains approximately 40-50% of the bluing. Frame has scattered handling marks, some silvering, and silvering to high edges and reciprocating areas. Hammer has approximately 15-20% case colors, balance brown. Grips are very good, with some minor handling marks and dings, but solid and free of cracks. Mechanically fine, bore is very good with strong lands and mild frosting. A very scarce revolver and virtually never seen with confirming documentation.
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson