Colt M1917 and accoutrements

[Guest gcrookston]

Back in the day of my serious collecting, before I decided I wouldn't own what I wouldn't shoot, I put this rig together (which is the only rig I still own and do shoot).

I do, like many, enjoy a gun with a story to tell. This is one. It is a Colt 1917 New Service. It was pressed into service in 1917 due to a lack of 1911 models being available, and was rushed to France in the Fall of 1917. The story would pretty much end there for almost 150,000 of these. This one, however... Went to France and came back to the Benicia Arsenal for repairs sometime prior to 1919, (the arsenals switched to parkerizing after this gun was processed).

The right grip has been replaced with an M1909 R.A.C. proofed one (probably from the parts bin). The left grip and butt bare the "B.A.K" stamp of the Benicia arsenal inspector. The cylinder has also been replaced. Note, above the trigger, a cut. This cut appears to be about 1/8th" deep, and the excess is folded over. If you take a rod and put it into the cut, it draws a straight line through the right grip, up into the cylinder. This would be indicative of shrapnel and would explain it's early return to the arsenal for repair.

I purchased this gun in 1982 from a gentleman that bought it surplus in 1920. He did not have the sale's receipt, but claimed he paid $15.00 for it through a mail order advertasiment from the department of war.

The knife is a French made "au Lion". This was one of the first batch acquired by the AEF in 1918. It was re-issued to an 101st Airborne member in early 1943. He ground off the bail so it would be more comfortable to carry in his jacket when jumping. The scabbord is the original French, and probably worth more than the knife.

The web gear is all vintage and period correct, as is the holster. This includes an M1917 dismounted cav. 1903-06 cartrige belt, an M1913 webbelt with saber ring, and an M1917 half-moon clip ammo pouch.

[fury2neon]

Very Nice!