Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .45 Hand Ejector U.S. Army Model 1917

Serial Number: 147611

Year of Manufacture: 1917-1919

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 5 1/2″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notch in the end of a groove in the top of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. The right panel is marked with the serial number in pencil. The grips have little in the way of wear with only a few tiny marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well-defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is light erosion scattered through the bore with infrequent pitting. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5-6/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The grip areas show handling wear and there is wear at the muzzle on each side. There is some minor surface oxidation, most notable in the grip areas. There are infrequent spots of surface erosion, most notable on the left of the front sight base. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a Smith & Wesson .45 Hand Ejector Model of 1917 that S&W made for the U.S. Army during WWI. The Army wanted more 1911 pistols than Colt could make so they contracted with both Colt and S&W to produce the Model 1917 revolver in .45 ACP, so that both pistols and revolvers would use the same ammunition. The cylinders were designed to hold the cartridges in half-moon clips for ease of loading and extraction. The chambers were stepped so that individual cartridges could be loaded and fired when there wasn’t time to load the clips, but then the empty cartridges had to be removed manually. This example shows wear consistent with its age and service, but the bore can still do work at handgun distances and the mechanics are up to the task. It would also make a nice addition to a WWI or U.S. small arms collection Please see our photos and good luck!