The Armed Forces Tribute Smith & Wesson® 1917 Revolver

Additional Issues:
The Armed Forces Tribute Smith & Wesson® 1917 Revolver for the Marine Corps
The Armed Forces Tribute Smith & Wesson® 1917 Revolver for the Army
The Armed Forces Tribute Smith & Wesson® 1917 Revolver for the Navy

Bullet by bullet and battle by battle, combat revolvers made history during some of the most important conflicts of the 20th century. In an age where technological warfare has taken center stage, the notion of close combat with an old-fashioned wheel gun sounds like ancient history. The truth is that even today the last, best defense any soldier can have is their sidearm. Because in any war zone, going toe-to-toe with the enemy means that survival can come down to one squeeze of the trigger... one chance... one shot.

Today, The American Historical Foundation is proud to honor all who have served – and continue to serve – in our country’s Armed Forces with a limited edition Tribute being issued on this legendary American combat revolver: The Armed Forces Tribute Smith & Wesson 1917 Revolver.

A Perfect Fit

In choosing a firearm for this project, the Foundation searched for a rugged classic with a history of reliable service. And the Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolver was the perfect fit. Smith & Wesson recently introduced the Smith & Wesson® Classics – including the updated Model 1917 revolver, which was retired in 1949, and is now available as the reintroduced Classics Model 22 of 1917.

This legendary firearm truly represents the heroic spirit of America's Armed Forces – our greatest patriots and fiercest protectors – who have always been there when America needed them.

The American Historical Foundation is proud to announce this exclusive limited edition of four desirable revolvers, each firing .45 ACP and each specifically honoring the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps or U.S. Army Air Corps. These four military branches were chosen because all four branches once armed their men with the Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolver.

Only 100 Tribute Revolvers are being issued for each branch in this strictly limited edition.

The Armed Forces Tribute Smith & Wesson® 1917 Revolver
Detail of the U.S. Army Tribute.

The Gold Standard of Combat Revolvers

In order to meet the production demands of World War I, Smith & Wesson adapted their 1908 Second Model Hand Ejector revolver to fire the rimless .45 ACP. A stroke of gun making genius led to the invention of half-moon clips that held three rounds each. The clips allowed the revolver to fire rimless cartridges and gave shooters a significant boost on reload speed.

The M1917 was a reliable, rugged sidearm with real stopping power, and obviously... packed one heck of a punch. In total, more than 150,000 M1917 revolvers were issued to the troops during the First World War. The revolver performed exceptionally in combat for decades, and after two World Wars, the Model 1917 faithfully defended Americans at home in the hands of various law enforcement personnel. There are even reports that some servicemen carried their S&W revolver into battle in Korea and even as late as Vietnam.

Superior Craftsmanship, Timeless Appeal

The Armed Forces Tribute Revolver is a gleaming firing masterpiece, completely and richly plated with 24-karat gold. Each of the four Tributes features:

Unique historical engravings and registry number prefixes appropriate to each service branch. For example, the U.S. Army revolver features the soldiers’ pledge: "This We’ll Defend" and a decorative banner marking "14 June 1775," the date the Continental Army assembled to protect the "liberties of America" from Britain’s King George.
An elegantly decorated and mirror polished finish by experienced gun polishers who keep the contour lines sharp and crisp.
Handsome artwork with an elaborate, yet traditional, military panoply along the barrel and body featuring classical banners and traditional scrollwork in a pattern unique to the military service branch honored.
Handsome checkered Walnut grips.

For this important, historic issue, every level of design and creation has been held to the highest standards of craftsmanship you expect from The American Historical Foundation.

Display Case

Also available is a custom made, luxuriously lined Display Case with locking glass lid and engraved identification plaque to display and protect your Tribute from dust and unauthorized handling.

Reservation Form

I wish to reserve (Quantity) of the "The Armed Forces Tribute Smith & Wesson® 1917 Revolver for the Army Air Corps", a working revolver, at the price of $2,195*. Each revolver is numbered and registered within the limited edition of 100 per Service Branch, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty-day return privilege.

Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per revolver. I will pay the balance prior to delivery at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.

Optional Display Case:

I do not wish to order the optional luxuriously lined Display Case at this time.

I also wish to reserve the optional luxuriously lined Display Case. Please add $149 to the final payment.

* All orders are subject to acceptance and availability. If I cancel my reservation prior to delivery, I will receive a full refund, less a commissioning fee of $195. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.