Smith and Wesson Model 1917 Gov't in Nickel ? Factory or Bubba'd?

[Guest Nunya]

Got a deal pending on a SW 1917 in .45ACP. It appears to be Nickel finish, with plastic faux stag grips. But, it is marked Gov't US Army in the appropriate places.

Is there any way to tell if this is original?

Would an aftermarket Nickel finish take away from the value?

I've done some searching and there seem to be conflicting opinions.

[VERO1]

To a collector an after market nickle finish would seriously lower the value of the gun. I was under the impresssion they were all blued. I can't get to my book to double check that for you right now. Do you recall if the hammer and trigger were also nickled or were they blued or case hardened?

[Guest Grout]

If it is marked Gov't property or Army etc. then it has been refinished.They were blued when first issued,later many were parkerized when sold as surplus.

[Garufa]

I don't care if it was done 80 years ago or 10. Putting a nickel finish on a gun like that is blashemy.

It has no collector value AFAIK. It' just another screwed up classic and wouldn't waste my time with it.

On the other hand, S&W .45 revolvers are excellent handguns. If you want one just because of that then go for it and make sure it is priced accordingly, ie., much less than an original specimen.

[gregintenn]

An original nickel Smith has an "N" stamped on the gripframe. I can tell you that I'm unaware of any factory nickel 1917s. A refinish will affect the value greatly, and it's value will be only what it's worth as a shooter.

[Guest Nunya]

Ok. Bubba'd it is. Thanks guys.

[TNWNGR]

If your wanting it for a shooter and the price is right then go ahead and buy it, the 1917 S&W is a real get 'er done handgun. A good gunsmith can take care of any repair work on an old Smith like that.

[leroy]

Ill add to the opiners who say it wuz "bubba'd". After havin said that; these are great old revolvers and great shooters. Take it out, get a period correct military holster from El Paso saddlery and enjoy it. They are great shooters. We have two of the smith 1917s. They are a great thing!!

leroy

[VERO1]

If you can get it for a decent price, grab it. As it has already been noted they are excellent guns. Just don't pay a premium for its "custom" finish.

[Guest Nunya]

Well, I passed on the 1917. However, the other Smith he had was a 686 .357 8.5 in Stainless!

It's a beauty. The SN starts with AKC4 if that means anything to anyone. Regardless, I don't mind if you stare.

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w423/bentonbjones/DSC_0361.jpg

Edited July 17, 2012 by bentonbjones

[Guest Nunya]

Just wish I could figure out how to post pics correctly. I had it figured out until the latest software change.