WW1 US M1917 Revolver

[Gildwiller1918]

When the US decided to enter the war in 1917, it faced a shortage of weapons and small arms was no exception. The US did have the widely popular .45 caliber M1911 semi-auto pistol, however they did not have enough of them. Most non-combat personnel used the .38 caliber revolvers such as the M1892, M1894, M1901, M903, and M1905, however front line troops needed some extra stopping power, which was the main reason the US went from .38 to .45 caliber. 

The US Ordnance Department contracted Colt and Smith and Wesson to make their large frame revolvers in the .45 caliber. There was one issue, the .45 caliber round was a rimless type, and the cylinders would not eject them properly, so the idea of using half moon clips was devised, where three rounds were held in a semi-circle clip. 

The S&W revolver weighed 2.5 pounds and was 10.25 inches long with a 5.5 inch barrel. Production started in 1917 and S7W supplied over 166,000 before production ended in 1919. The pistols are marked on butt with a serial number and pistol type. Under the barrel is stamped "United States Property". On the side of the barrel there is stamp that reads "S&W, D. A. (double action) 45". On the top of the barrel is the manufacturers information. This particular pistol serial number is 28,426. It also has a period lanyard and holster. 

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is the ammunition box that would be used for the M1917 revolver. The box contained the ammunition in 50 cardboard boxes. Each individual box had 24 rounds in half moon clips ready to use.  Below is a picture of an individual box with period ammunition still inside. 

[Fritz]

Rather dangerous to store all these years?

 

[Gildwiller1918]

As long as its stored properly it can be safe. Unfortunately I only have this one pack of rounds.

[Gildwiller1918]

Here is the canvas web pouch designed to carry the half moon clips for the M1917 revolver. The pouch had 3 snap closure compartments that held 2 clips of 3 rounds each, so the entire pouch would hold 18 rounds. This pouch would be attached the pistol belts, it would slide over the end of the belt and be fastened using the button on the back of the pouch. Also shown are examples of the moon clips.