Colt Model 1917 .45 ACP Revolver – 1919 U.S. Army Issue with Eagle-Head “S20” Ordnance Stamp
Produced in 1919 as part of Colt’s final wartime run, this Model 1917 revolver represents one of the 151,700 Colt-made sidearms that supplemented the M1911 pistol during World War I. Chambered in .45 ACP and designed for use with half-moon clips, it carries the correct “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” barrel marking and eagle-head “S20” inspection stamp, confirming U.S. Ordnance acceptance. A lanyard-ring butt strap roll-marked “U S ARMY MODEL 1917 No 222096” further ties the gun to its service roots.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Good – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
What’s Included
- Colt Model 1917 .45 ACP revolver
This revolver retains its wartime blued finish across the carbon-steel frame, cylinder, and 5.5" tapered barrel. The finish shows the honest wear expected of a service arm that saw field use, aligning with its Fair overall rating.
Inspection markings add collector appeal. The left frame bears the eagle-head “S20” ordnance stamp, and the barrel’s “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” roll mark confirms government ownership. Together with the butt-strap U.S. Army model designation, these marks document its military provenance.
Smooth walnut service grips remain intact, providing the correct WWI-era look and feel. The exposed hammer and double-action/single-action mechanism function in the traditional Colt style, giving the shooter or collector an authentic operating experience.
Designed around the .45 ACP cartridge, the Model 1917 uses half-moon clips for simultaneous extraction and is also compatible with .45 Auto Rim ammunition. This versatility made the revolver a practical standby long after the Armistice, and it continues to be a noteworthy feature today.