POTD: Triple Lock Downgraded – Smith & Wesson M1917
Sam.S 09.10.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Smith & Wesson M1917 revolvers were six-shot, .45 ACP double-action revolvers adopted by the U.S. military in 1917 to supplement the M1911 pistol during World War I. Produced by Colt and Smith & Wesson, they used moon-clips to hold rimless .45 ACP cartridges. From 1917 to 1919, Colt produced 151,700 and Smith & Wesson 153,300 Smith & Wesson M1917 for the War Department. The revolvers saw extensive use in World War I, with nearly two-thirds as many M1917s issued as M1911s. Their military service continued through World War II, with over 188,000 M1917s still in reserve in 1940. They were issued to stateside security forces, military police, and specialty troops overseas. The M1917s remained in U.S. armed forces service for over fifty years, even seeing use in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Additionally, they gained popularity among civilian shooters and police forces, with commercial production continuing until 1949.
“Manufactured 1918 with standard features. “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” marked on the underside of the barrel, “GHS” inspected frame and matching serial numbers on the butt, right grip, cylinder, and barrel.
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 1917
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 45 ACP
Barrel: 5 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut”
Lot 1434: U.S. Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Army Double Action Revolver – Exceptional World War I U.S. Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Army Double Action Revolver. (n.d.-au). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/86/1434/us-smith-wesson-model-1917-army-double-action-revolver.
