Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 - The Firearms Forum

Downriver · 07-02-2011, 02:00 PM

This is the last of three firearms I received in trade for a Mini-14, the other two being Winchester lever actions already submitted to the forum. Of the three, this is the only one I’ve fired, and doing so convinced me of the wisdom of the U.S. Army adopting .45-caliber handguns a century ago. This baby packs a wallop, on both ends. Although I’m not normally a wheel-gun kinda guy, I have great respect and appreciation for the Colt.

This Colt model 1917 .45 revolver is serial number 258007, and military serial number 109919. It’s an all-numbers matching weapon, except for the penciled number under the grips. All appropriate manufacturer and military markings are in place, including Mr. Hosmer’s famous “H” inspection marks. The number 1932 appears on the piece on several components; I’m told that this was a parts-tracking number added when the gun was disassembled and worked. The bore looks strong. There is minor holster wear on the muzzle, and a small nick on the top of the barrel. The ejector rod head is a recent but hopefully correct addition; there was none in place when I got the Colt.

Unfortunately, it appears that the .45 underwent a rebluing at some point in its lifetime, as the pictures would indicate. Although most of the markings continue plainly visible, someone was a little heavy handed on the frame. The rampant horse is observable but faint, and the “S-20” inspection mark above it can only be seen – at least to my aging eyes – under magnification.

So, forum, thumbs up or thumbs down? Value?

Artemus · 07-02-2011, 03:44 PM

My Dad carried one of these during WW2.

Alpo · 07-02-2011, 03:51 PM

It's a decent gun, although I prefer the Smith and Wesson. As to value, I don't know, but since you already hosed that poor feller with the other two for that dang Mini, I figger you couldn't have got hurt any on this'un.

Downriver · 07-05-2011, 11:22 AM

I'm getting plenty of looks, but only three total replies, and nobody as yet has offered up an educated opinion on a value. Where are you Colt guys? You revolver guys? You military arms guys? You .45 guys? Is anybody out there? If it's bad news, I can take it; I certainly had to on my two Winchesters. Thanks.

jjmitchell60 · 07-05-2011, 11:47 AM

Being reblued it will bring in the area of $600 to maybe as high as $800 in this area. On auctions on line, who knows what some body will pay if that is just what the HAVE to have. I have a 1917 S&W and they bring less. Mine is a US property one BUT was cut down for a piolet to carry in WWII and then either brought home or sold as surplus. I gave $300 for mine 5 years ago but it has some history as to the last owner being a close friend and I bought it from his estate.

ka64 · 07-05-2011, 01:14 PM

Simply Awesome, Congrats........

wonderwhippet · 07-05-2011, 03:51 PM

No, I'm afraid no one is going to pay $600 or more for a reblued 1917 Colt. After all, it no longer has collector interest or value, so now you just have a shooter. For that kind of money you can buy a modern .45 wheelgun and still have cash left over. I think the Colt in this condition will bring a max of $400.

jjmitchell60 · 07-06-2011, 01:14 PM

wonderwhippet is correct as to a person knowledgeable in collector grade firearms BUT I watched a couple Colt 1917s sell at a local auction that had been completely redone and they brought close to $1000 EACH/ Now I have to admit the buyers were locals who bought them JUST because they were colts! At rural auctions guns bring more for some odd reason. It could be people get caught up in the bidding or who knows why but they do. I was amazed at what they brought here at Mattox Realestate Auction House but they brought well over 2 times what they were worth. The buyers came to me to buy some moon clips for them.

Downriver · 04-15-2012, 03:34 PM

This is a follow-up report to my post last year asking for opinions on the value of a Colt model 1917 .45 revolver. The valuations varied widely, but all agreed that the weapon having been reblued diminished its value to collectors.

I ended up handing off the m1917 yesterday in an even trade for a Heckler Koch PSP 9mm. pistol (photo attached). My trading partner had had the PSP hard chromed and had added Trijicon night sights. The PSP came in its original box with instructions and two mags. The other guy also threw in a Remora holster.

I've been intrigued by the HK P7 series unique design since I fired one in weapons training maybe 30 years ago. The PSP certainly is a slab of steel in the hand, and I look forward to putting some rounds down range. I don't think I'll be carrying it for self-defense, but I feel I got a pretty good trade for that reblued model 1917.

Lanrezac · 04-15-2012, 08:13 PM

You made out like a bandit. For a working gun like a PSP, I would think the hard chrome and night sights increase the value rather than otherwise. I also had a reblued Colt 1917 (not as skillful a job as yours) and when I sold it, I barely got half of what I paid for a minty but plain-jane H&K P7.

The Colt had a beautiful single-action trigger pull, but the P7 had sights I could actually see, and is a completely unique design to boot. Congrats!

oneshot onekill · 04-17-2012, 06:19 AM

Two completely different animals but close in value. Your P7PSP is likely one of the ones that recently flooded the market. I think they're known as "Saxony Guns". They were apparently imported as European Police "turn-ins". They were checked and/or rebuilt as needed. The nice ones were bringing $700-$800 and the worn-looking ones around $500. You can still find them on GB. They use an "A,B,C..." rating system to value them.

The only down sides to the P7PSP when compared to the P7M8 are the mag release being on the bottom (European style), and the lack of a heat shield above the trigger.

Alpo · 04-17-2012, 07:39 AM

That bottom-mag-release is not a "downside", in my opinion. It works better than a trigger-guard release. It was changed because, when holstered in a car, the seat belt would sometimes activate the release. Since I don't wear my holstered in a car, I don't have to worry about that.

Downriver · 04-17-2012, 03:32 PM

Despite oneshot onekill's misgivings, I'm still very happy with the deal. The PSP appears in very good shape, the barrel is nice and bright - although the chamber's 18 flutes take some getting used to seeing, the hard chrome job is perfect, and the Trijicon sights are bright enough to double as a nightlight. As I said above, I don't plan to use the HK as a carry weapon, I just am really interested in the unique design.

The icing on the cake is that my investment in that model 1917 was $0.00. When I traded a Mini-14 for two antique Winchester lever actions, the fellow just threw in the Colt at the last moment. It wasn't part of the deal as agreed and I've always considered that I got it for free.

The one thing I don't like about the PSP are those great big honking screws on the grips. Man, they are ugly. I've ordered a pair of black allen-head screws from Shockwave Technologies and I think they'll really improve the look of the pistol.

oneshot onekill · 04-17-2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

That bottom-mag-release is not a "downside", in my opinion. It works better than a trigger-guard release. It was changed because, when holstered in a car, the seat belt would sometimes activate the release. Since I don't wear my holstered in a car, I don't have to worry about that.

Here's what I've uncovered regarding the Mag-release when I did extensive research after buying a P7PSP myself. The P7M8 was developed later than the P7PSP for the American Market (Specifically originally the NJ State Police). The magazine release is a lever you push downward to release the magazine... Not a button you push like a Colt or other Browning designed pistol.

The German Police were having a problem with the first generation PSP's dropping their Magazines when they were pressed against the seat of the Patrol Car because the Magazine release stuck slightly out the bottom. Hence, the later generation PSP's had a Magazine release that didn't stick out but was flush with the base of the grip. FWIW...

Personally, I like the PSP better too. But only because it's generally less expensive. both are Great Pistols!

By the way... I've only ever owned a P7PSP... And Loved it!

Alpo · 04-17-2012, 03:59 PM

You misunderstand. The seatbelt was pushing in the heel-release of the PSP. That's one of the reasons the M8 was developed, and why it has the trigger-guard release.

I really prefer the "push-in" heel release of the PSP, over the "push-out" heel release of the Ruger 22/Mak/Colt M/ad nauseum.

oneshot onekill · 04-17-2012, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

You misunderstand. The seatbelt was pushing in the heel-release of the PSP. That's one of the reasons the M8 was developed, and why it has the trigger-guard release.

I really prefer the "push-in" heel release of the PSP, over the "push-out" heel release of the Ruger 22/Mak/Colt M/ad nauseum.

Got it... Changed it... Sorry!

oneshot onekill · 04-17-2012, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

You misunderstand. The seatbelt was pushing in the heel-release of the PSP. That's one of the reasons the M8 was developed, and why it has the trigger-guard release.

I really prefer the "push-in" heel release of the PSP, over the "push-out" heel release of the Ruger 22/Mak/Colt M/ad nauseum.

Sort of... The M8 was developed for the American Market. The Germans kept the P7PSP. They just made the release flush with the grip.

oneshot onekill · 04-17-2012, 04:09 PM

By the way... Sorry to hijack this thread! You got a very nice looking P7PSP there! I would have traded it for the 1917 too! Hope you love it as much as I loved mine!

I may have to get another one of those... I really do miss it!

Downriver · 04-18-2012, 07:39 PM

A question re my new PSP: the photo shows a proof mark which appears on both the frame and the slide. I haven't been able to identify it. Does it mean anything to anyone? Thanks.

oneshot onekill · 04-21-2012, 11:30 AM

I could be wrong but I think that's just a Government inspectors stamp... Or an arsenal proof mark. Either way, most will have one of some sort. Probably on all of the major parts that have not been replaced. Back in the 80's I think, there was another influx of P7's and you can tell those from the newer ones because that proof is ground off rather noticeably. FWIW...

07-02-2011, 02:00 PM	#1
Downriver Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulf Coast of Florida Posts: 29	Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 This is the last of three firearms I received in trade for a Mini-14, the other two being Winchester lever actions already submitted to the forum. Of the three, this is the only one I’ve fired, and doing so convinced me of the wisdom of the U.S. Army adopting .45-caliber handguns a century ago. This baby packs a wallop, on both ends. Although I’m not normally a wheel-gun kinda guy, I have great respect and appreciation for the Colt. This Colt model 1917 .45 revolver is serial number 258007, and military serial number 109919. It’s an all-numbers matching weapon, except for the penciled number under the grips. All appropriate manufacturer and military markings are in place, including Mr. Hosmer’s famous “H” inspection marks. The number 1932 appears on the piece on several components; I’m told that this was a parts-tracking number added when the gun was disassembled and worked. The bore looks strong. There is minor holster wear on the muzzle, and a small nick on the top of the barrel. The ejector rod head is a recent but hopefully correct addition; there was none in place when I got the Colt. Unfortunately, it appears that the .45 underwent a rebluing at some point in its lifetime, as the pictures would indicate. Although most of the markings continue plainly visible, someone was a little heavy handed on the frame. The rampant horse is observable but faint, and the “S-20” inspection mark above it can only be seen – at least to my aging eyes – under magnification. So, forum, thumbs up or thumbs down? Value? Attached Images -->

07-02-2011, 03:44 PM	#2
Artemus V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mass. Posts: 358	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 My Dad carried one of these during WW2.

07-02-2011, 03:51 PM	#3
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,649	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 It's a decent gun, although I prefer the Smith and Wesson. As to value, I don't know, but since you already hosed that poor feller with the other two for that dang Mini, I figger you couldn't have got hurt any on this'un. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-05-2011, 11:22 AM	#4
Downriver Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulf Coast of Florida Posts: 29	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 I'm getting plenty of looks, but only three total replies, and nobody as yet has offered up an educated opinion on a value. Where are you Colt guys? You revolver guys? You military arms guys? You .45 guys? Is anybody out there? If it's bad news, I can take it; I certainly had to on my two Winchesters. Thanks.

07-05-2011, 11:47 AM	#5
jjmitchell60 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Raised in Buzzard Roost near Frog Town in hillls of Kentucky Contributor Posts: 1,471	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 Being reblued it will bring in the area of $600 to maybe as high as $800 in this area. On auctions on line, who knows what some body will pay if that is just what the HAVE to have. I have a 1917 S&W and they bring less. Mine is a US property one BUT was cut down for a piolet to carry in WWII and then either brought home or sold as surplus. I gave $300 for mine 5 years ago but it has some history as to the last owner being a close friend and I bought it from his estate. __________________ Oath Keepers NOT ON OUR WATCH www.oathkeepers.org 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." -- Benjamin Franklin When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes Duty... Thomas Jefferson

07-05-2011, 01:14 PM	#6
ka64 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Michigan Contributor Posts: 1,412	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 Simply Awesome, Congrats........

07-05-2011, 03:51 PM	#7
wonderwhippet Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,583	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 No, I'm afraid no one is going to pay $600 or more for a reblued 1917 Colt. After all, it no longer has collector interest or value, so now you just have a shooter. For that kind of money you can buy a modern .45 wheelgun and still have cash left over. I think the Colt in this condition will bring a max of $400.

07-06-2011, 01:14 PM	#8
jjmitchell60 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Raised in Buzzard Roost near Frog Town in hillls of Kentucky Contributor Posts: 1,471	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 wonderwhippet is correct as to a person knowledgeable in collector grade firearms BUT I watched a couple Colt 1917s sell at a local auction that had been completely redone and they brought close to $1000 EACH/ Now I have to admit the buyers were locals who bought them JUST because they were colts! At rural auctions guns bring more for some odd reason. It could be people get caught up in the bidding or who knows why but they do. I was amazed at what they brought here at Mattox Realestate Auction House but they brought well over 2 times what they were worth. The buyers came to me to buy some moon clips for them. __________________ Oath Keepers NOT ON OUR WATCH www.oathkeepers.org 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." -- Benjamin Franklin When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes Duty... Thomas Jefferson

04-15-2012, 03:34 PM	#9
Downriver Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulf Coast of Florida Posts: 29	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 This is a follow-up report to my post last year asking for opinions on the value of a Colt model 1917 .45 revolver. The valuations varied widely, but all agreed that the weapon having been reblued diminished its value to collectors. I ended up handing off the m1917 yesterday in an even trade for a Heckler Koch PSP 9mm. pistol (photo attached). My trading partner had had the PSP hard chromed and had added Trijicon night sights. The PSP came in its original box with instructions and two mags. The other guy also threw in a Remora holster. I've been intrigued by the HK P7 series unique design since I fired one in weapons training maybe 30 years ago. The PSP certainly is a slab of steel in the hand, and I look forward to putting some rounds down range. I don't think I'll be carrying it for self-defense, but I feel I got a pretty good trade for that reblued model 1917. Attached Images

04-15-2012, 08:13 PM	#10
Lanrezac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 685	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 You made out like a bandit. For a working gun like a PSP, I would think the hard chrome and night sights increase the value rather than otherwise. I also had a reblued Colt 1917 (not as skillful a job as yours) and when I sold it, I barely got half of what I paid for a minty but plain-jane H&K P7. The Colt had a beautiful single-action trigger pull, but the P7 had sights I could actually see, and is a completely unique design to boot. Congrats!

04-17-2012, 06:19 AM	#11
oneshot onekill V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: DeBary, Florida Posts: 189	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 Two completely different animals but close in value. Your P7PSP is likely one of the ones that recently flooded the market. I think they're known as "Saxony Guns". They were apparently imported as European Police "turn-ins". They were checked and/or rebuilt as needed. The nice ones were bringing $700-$800 and the worn-looking ones around $500. You can still find them on GB. They use an "A,B,C..." rating system to value them. The only down sides to the P7PSP when compared to the P7M8 are the mag release being on the bottom (European style), and the lack of a heat shield above the trigger.

04-17-2012, 07:39 AM	#12
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,649	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 That bottom-mag-release is not a "downside", in my opinion. It works better than a trigger-guard release. It was changed because, when holstered in a car, the seat belt would sometimes activate the release. Since I don't wear my holstered in a car, I don't have to worry about that. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

04-17-2012, 03:32 PM	#13
Downriver Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulf Coast of Florida Posts: 29	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 Despite oneshot onekill's misgivings, I'm still very happy with the deal. The PSP appears in very good shape, the barrel is nice and bright - although the chamber's 18 flutes take some getting used to seeing, the hard chrome job is perfect, and the Trijicon sights are bright enough to double as a nightlight. As I said above, I don't plan to use the HK as a carry weapon, I just am really interested in the unique design. The icing on the cake is that my investment in that model 1917 was $0.00. When I traded a Mini-14 for two antique Winchester lever actions, the fellow just threw in the Colt at the last moment. It wasn't part of the deal as agreed and I've always considered that I got it for free. The one thing I don't like about the PSP are those great big honking screws on the grips. Man, they are ugly. I've ordered a pair of black allen-head screws from Shockwave Technologies and I think they'll really improve the look of the pistol.

04-17-2012, 03:59 PM	#15
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,649	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 You misunderstand. The seatbelt was pushing in the heel-release of the PSP. That's one of the reasons the M8 was developed, and why it has the trigger-guard release. I really prefer the "push-in" heel release of the PSP, over the "push-out" heel release of the Ruger 22/Mak/Colt M/ad nauseum. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

04-17-2012, 04:09 PM	#18
oneshot onekill V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: DeBary, Florida Posts: 189	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 By the way... Sorry to hijack this thread! You got a very nice looking P7PSP there! I would have traded it for the 1917 too! Hope you love it as much as I loved mine! I may have to get another one of those... I really do miss it!

04-18-2012, 07:39 PM	#19
Downriver Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulf Coast of Florida Posts: 29	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 A question re my new PSP: the photo shows a proof mark which appears on both the frame and the slide. I haven't been able to identify it. Does it mean anything to anyone? Thanks. Attached Images

04-21-2012, 11:30 AM	#20
oneshot onekill V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: DeBary, Florida Posts: 189	Re: Yankee Doodle Colt Model 1917 I could be wrong but I think that's just a Government inspectors stamp... Or an arsenal proof mark. Either way, most will have one of some sort. Probably on all of the major parts that have not been replaced. Back in the 80's I think, there was another influx of P7's and you can tell those from the newer ones because that proof is ground off rather noticeably. FWIW...