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I’m not sure if this is the right forum or not but after reading many of the posts on here I feel there is a lot of knowledge to be tapped.
My friend died suddenly and now his wife is selling a bunch of stuff to make ends meet and she has a rifle that is marked CF 1917 Winchester and it looks like it hasn’t been changed at all. There are a few marks such as a flaming bomb on a few parts and the letter W on several more. I would guess there are war memorabilia collectors that would be interested if it is completely correct but I’m not sure where to take it to be checked. If anyone would know a ballpark value or the procedure to validate it we would be very grateful.
Thanks
Mike.
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Mike,
There are a few WACA members here that may know something about the Winchester Model 1917. Hopefully one of them drops in and sees this topic.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I assume the rifle is a bolt action with full length stock? If so sounds like the us 30.06 version of the english 303 enfield. Is there a W on the front end of the stock?
Yes there is a W there and under the bolt and the burning bomb on the bolt handle. I understand there are many places to look for the W but since it’s not mine I don’t want to take it apart.
Most of the main components will be marked with a “W” from Winchester. There were three primary locations for manufacture, Winchester, Remington and Eddystone (which was under the control of Remington). Parts marked with an “R” were made at Remington and parts marked with an “E” were made at the Eddystone works.
The first thing to do is verify if it is in fact a 1917 or a Pattern ’14 as they look almost identical. If it is a 1917 the front top of the receiver will be marked with the model, if it is a Pattern ’14 from Winchester it will just have a “W” in front of the serial number but no model number. The fact that it has the flaming bomb U.S. ordinance mark on the bolt indicates it is almost certainly a model 1917 but you should check the receiver to be positive.
Next, look at the end of the barrel just behind the front sight (on top). The barrel should be marked with a “W” and a date with a month-year.
Without actually seeing the rifle it is impossible to give an accurate value but if it is all Winchester, has the original bluing and has not been arsenal overhauled they have been selling in the range of $600-$1200 with condition and originality being the driving factors for the higher prices. If it is mix-matched parts, refinished, cut-down, drilled & tapped, sporterized or in overall poor condition they sell from $300-$600, again depending upon actual condition and the extent of the deviation from original.
In what part of the country are you located? Maybe a local WACA member can give you a hand.
Hope that helps.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Online
Yes, the rifle was blued originally. Most have been parkerized on overhaul. The only factory parkerized M1917’s were the very late Eddystones.
They are a collectors prize if 100% original. Been there, done that. Big Larry
JWA and Big Larry are both correct.
The 1917’s are fine rifles and usually very accurate, especially when hand loading for them. I see many used in Vintage Rifle matches that the CMP sanctions and they do very well. Check either here http://www.jouster.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?23-M1917 or the CMP forums for more 1917 info.
Guys,
Thanks for the M1917 thread.
I have what would be in the “mixed” category M1917, 11-18, #441564, 30-06 described by JWA. It is new from the Los Alamos arsenal after being parkerized. It’s box marked DCM.
It is in the original box, marked 1946. Shipped to Alamogordo, NM . Great condition after the work on it, and all the markings on the box plus the “oily” yellowed paper wrapping.
Winchester marked as M1917, WP under stock, and standard sights have W on ends and center, with one end having 35 on it. Flaming bomb with W above and 11-18 below on barrel. 060 on sight, W on sling holder, WP under stock, under forearm is an logo looking like the upper half of an eagle and 39 below. On stock is AAp and JA. Barrel is 4 grove with 4-43 mark.
Bolt has the Eddystone “E” as does under stock strap. I have not fired it…..yet !
After all that, is it still just a mixed, parkerized rifle in the $600 range, or does anything special catch anyone’s eye as unique to a collector ?
Bill
Hi Bill,
Yours is probably worth a bit more than $600 since the DCM shipping box and paperwork add some to collector interest.
Would love to see pictures if you can.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Sir, it looks like it came from a rebuild at Red River Arsenal. All the markings on the stock are inspector’s stamps. That is probably one of the nicest stocks I’ve seen on a 1917, usually they are full of cosmoline and beat up pretty good. Should make a very fine shooter on the range.
AA generally stands for Augusta Arsenal. The eagle on the stock was probably the original marking. The “P”‘s are proof marks. Total arsenal refinish after WW1. Sold in many degrees of condition by the DCM along with lots of other military weapons. I once saw a mint, untouched Winchester, in the original box go for $500 at the Great Western Gun Show many years back. They are beautiful in original configuration. Super accurate too with the right loads. I have been out of US Martial Arms for years now. Sold my last Smith-Corona 03-A3 to Rick Hill. Big Larry
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