Factory nickel plated m1917 colt?

[sidearmstevo]

Does anyone know anything about nickel plated m1917 colt revolvers? My uncle claims that the one I have is an officers model and came out of the factory nickel plated. However, all the info I can find on the internet says all colt 1917's were factory blued with walnut grips. Mine is nickel with colt stamped rubber grips. Also, any idea as to the value of this gun would be appreciated.

 

[BCCL]

Poured though many a book and article on military handguns over the years, and don't recall the U.S. Military ever issuing a nickel plated sidearm in that era.

 

[pendennis]

You may want to use a magnifying glass, and check out the markings on the barrel, and frame stampings. If the edges are a bit soft, it's a refinish.

I've yet to see a Model 1917, as issued, in nickel. That's not to say it didn't happen. But, it's more likely a refinish. If you could post some pictures, it would be a real help.

You may want to search the Colt Forum. They have some real experts there. There are also several military collectors' web sites, and they'll also know.

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/

Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

 

[Jim Watson]

Is this a MILITARY 1917? There were some commercial 1917s sold after the War that could have been ordered with nickel plate.
And a LOT of surplus and pilfered pistols were nickel plated to dress up an ugly brush blue or Parkerized piece after they "left the service."

But the US military does not, did not issue nickel plated sidearms, not even to Generals and Admirals. Well a historian did dig up a record of one (1.0) 1911 Colt shipped to a high officer in chrome plate so I guess if you have enough pull anything can happen.

 

[Old Fuff]

Keep in mind that when the model 1917's were made there was a war going on. Uncle Sam wanted guns, and he wanted them quickly! All were made and paid for through government contracts, and the contracts specified a matt/wire brush, non reflective blued finish.

Now if some "high ranking officer" wanted a show gun he could order a commercial New Service with a nickel plated finish, and it's possible some did. But commercial revolvers didn't have model 1917 markings nor inspector's stamps. If it one in question is so marked, and is nickel plated, the finish was done after it left the service.

 

[clang]

I think most hanguns went to officers in WWI. The most wanted handgun was the 1911, but it was in short supply, so the Colt & S&W 1917s were purchased to fil the gap.

 

[MtnSpur]

Without seeing pictures or a partial serial number plus all the markings on the revolver it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what 1917 you have. There are the military and commericial (civilian) models. While the nickel finish IS possible there is nothing that tells us it's original or refinished. Only COLT can tell you, through an archive letter, whether that 1917 left the factory with a nickel finish.

 

[sidearmstevo]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm not very good with computers, so I don't know how to post pictures. Also, my camera on my phone doesn't show very good details on the gun. I'll try to post some pictures when I get time.

 

[rcmodel]

I think most hanguns went to officers in WWI.

Not hardly.

Trench warfare was some of the most brutal close range fighting to be seen in modern warfare.

Gen. Pershing wanted every man to be armed with a handgun.

He never reached that goal.
But there were about 300,000 Colt & S&W 1917 revolvers used, in addition to 1/2+ million 1911 pistols.

That's an awful lot of officers right there!

rc

 

[Z71]

It's possible that it's a factory nickel gun...but it's probably not a revolver accepted by the military.

Quite a few Model 1917 revolvers and 1917 parts were in the pipeline by the time WWI ended...and the goverment canceled the contracts and accepted no more revolvers.

Colt finished up the guns and sold them on the commercial market. Many of these will have military markings..but really were not accepted by the military. Some of these may possibly be found with factory nickel plate....However a nickel M1917 most likely got plated 'after the fact'..meaning it was refinished.

These revolvers were sold off as surplus here and there between the wars..and more after WWII and into the 1960's. A surplus dealer or owner may have had it plated.

You can request and pay for a Colt factory letter and gain any info to be gained such as the finish and grip styles..shipping date..etc.