North American Auction Company
Live Auction

New Year January Western Collector Sale

Sat, Jan 23, 2021 11:00AM EST
Lot 110

Colt U.S. Army Model 1917 .45 ACP Revolver c.1920

Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
For your consideration is a Colt Model 1917 U.S. Army issue .45 ACP caliber World War I revolver. When the United States entered World War I, the government arsenals were not prepared to issue the standard Colt Model 1911 .45 caliber automatic pistol in the numbers required. The most expedient fix was to have Colt alter their large frame double action revolvers to take the rimless .45 ACP government cartridge used in the auto pistol. Because this round lacked a rim for the star extractor of the revolver to grab for extraction of fired cases, the “half-moon” three round clip was devised. This spring steel clip held three rimless cartridges in the extraction groove and allowed them to be quickly loaded into the cylinder. When the cartridges were fired the extractor easily pushed the shells from the cylinder for reloading. The Colt 1917 saw hard use in the trenches of The Great War, and many were refurbished by the arsenals for duty through the Second World War. This fine and early example displays a nice patina to the original Colt “brushed blue” military finish. Many of these models were also sold as surplus in later years, where once more they were refinished. Under the barrel is the desirable stamping “UNITED STATES PROPERTY.” On the barrel top are the correct Colt address and patent markings. The left side of the barrel is stamped “COLT D. A. 45”, with the D.A. meaning double action—in which by simply pulling the trigger the hammer is cocked, released and the cartridge is fired. The revolver can also be fired by pulling the hammer back to full cock for finer aiming. The butt of this fine example retains the original lanyard swivel, these are frequently found removed, and the correct marking, “U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917 No. 150854.” Often, when one of these revolvers left the service and was sold commercially, these United States markings were ground off. The crane holding the cylinder and the frame have matching serial numbers. The frame also retains the correct government inspector stamps. The smooth walnut grips are in excellent condition overall, and the front sight has not been altered. Mechanically tight and with bright bore, this Colt 1917 would be hard to improve upon. This Colt is a truly outstanding piece of World War I history that was manufactured in 1920. Serial Number: 301840. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.
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