Colt Model 1917 .45 ACP DA/SA Revolver, 5.5 Inch, U.S. Army Marked, 1920 Production
This U.S. military‑contract Colt Model of 1917 is a 1920-produced example built on the New Service frame in .45 ACP. It carries UNITED STATES PROPERTY and U.S. Army butt markings, retains its 5.5 inch barrel and lanyard ring, and is configured with non-factory finger‑groove wooden stocks. A carbon‑steel, six‑shot DA/SA revolver, it currently presents an in‑the‑white/bare‑metal appearance with no original blue remaining, and represents a historically significant service sidearm pattern used in WWI and later roles in WWII.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Bore Fouling: Severe Fouling - Extensive corrosion, pitting, or erosion.
Bore Rifling: Poor Rifling - Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
Specific Condition Notes: There are significant markings and pitting from prior handling and use. The grips are chipped. Aftermarket screws appear to inhibit complete cylinder rotation during reload. Please refer to the photos.
What’s Included
- Colt Model 1917 revolver
- Installed finger‑groove wooden replacement grips
Built on Colt’s large New Service frame, this Model 1917 is configured with a 5.5 inch barrel, a six‑shot fluted cylinder, a swing‑out crane, and an unshrouded ejector rod. The revolver uses a double‑action/single‑action mechanism and is constructed of carbon steel and currently presents an in‑the‑white/bare‑metal appearance with no original blue remaining. A lanyard ring is fitted to the butt.
Markings include UNITED STATES PROPERTY on the barrel bottom and a U.S. Army marking with Army control number on the butt, plus a distinct internal number in the crane cut. These contract and property marks identify it as a U.S. service acquisition.
Chambered in .45 ACP, the Model 1917 was designed to be used with half‑moon clips and also accepts .45 Auto Rim cartridges without clips. Fixed iron sights consist of a half‑moon blade front and a rear notch.
This example was manufactured in 1920, within the approximately 151,700 Colt Model 1917 revolvers produced. The model saw wide service in WWI and continued in later roles during WWII.
This revolver is currently fitted with non‑factory finger‑groove wooden stocks.