Krag Collectors Association Forum

Is there anyone here who feels like they are knowledgeable on 1917 and what a reasonable price is to pay for one? I have photos I'll share if someone private messages me. Thanks.

'La Riviere' - Lots of members of the KCA have a good knowledge of the U.S Rifle Model of 1917.

If you post some close-up photos here, you will get lots of useful information and feedback.

The value of the Eddystone rifle, that you are interested in, will depend on the condition and originality of parts and finish.

There were three makers of the U.S. Enfield: Winchester, Remington, and Eddystone.
Traditionally, Winchester & Remington Model 1917 rifles will bring better prices than an otherwise equal Eddystone. (Collector Prejudice)

Usually, all of the component parts of a model 1917 rifle are stamped with a small letter, signifying the maker: W, R, or E.
Most 1917 rifles underwent rebuilding and can be a mixture of parts by different makers. The barrel may be a WW2 replacement.
The 'Parkerized' finish was introduced late, during WW1, and also was applied to officially rebuilt rifles in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s.

Rebuilt 1917 rifles had markings applied to the stock, that identified the facility and inspector, where the work was done.

Model 1917 Rifles in good condition, that still have the finish and parts 'as issued' for WW1, are the most prized.

Honest 'rebuilds' in good condition, with good stock markings, finish, mixed components, but, officially done between the wars, are desirable.

A lot of Model 1917 rifles were partially altered, by civilian owners, for Hunting.
With the abundance of surplus parts that were once available, many of these Model 1917 rifles have been 'restored' to a semblance of their former condition.
These rifles may be good shooters and can fill a spot for many arms enthusiasts, but, they are 'parts guns' and should be worth considerably less, than surviving WW1 specimens and officially rebuilt rifles.

Butlersrangers has posted some very good information to digest.

Like all milsurps, prices have gone up considerably in the past few years, especially small arms.

IMHO: Current pricing for a descent 1917 would be around $800 to $1300. As with most things condition will be a big factor. Expect to pay high premiums for Winchester and exceptionally nice 1917’s.

Don’t discount sporterized rifles since you could possibly piece together a nice rifle by ordering replacement parts to complete the restoration. However, once again, it depends on the condition of the sporterized rifle and what’s needed. The restoration project could turn into a nightmare and end up costing more than just buying a nice collectible specimen. Be careful if you go the restoration route…most parts are interchangeable between the manufacturers but some early rifle/parts are not.

BTW: Sometimes with some knowledge, research, patience and a little luck, you can score big with a sporterized rifle. Check out Whigs post, “Christmas has come early” under Military Krags.

I’m currently restoring a Winchester 1917 for a friend and recently purchased a replacement stock for it. As of now, my buddy is into this restoration for about $500.

Ok thanks. Yeah this one doesnt look to be in super condition. I can't tell what year the barrel is from. I might be able to get a picture of the date on the barrel in 2-3 weeks!

Do the carvings and that little silver thing on the stock mean anything to anyone?

Doing a quick internet search provided the following:

- The rifle appears to have been manufactured in May 1918
- The cartouche 3GM-K has not been determined…could be General Motors or Ft George Meade??? K is inspector’s initials???
- SAA, if I’m reading it correctly, represents San Antonio Arsenal???
- Boxed S cartouche???
- Not sure about the metal disc marked number 4???

Boy, lots of help I am.

BTW: Not bad looking rifle…shows much promise.

Looks like the rifle was built June 1918.

https://opticsbible.com/eddystone-1917-serial-numbers/

Here’s the link I used for the date of manufacture which indicated May 1918:

https://oldguns.net/sn_php/mildateslook ... 917edd.dat

Let’s split the difference and say it was manufactured between May 15th to June 15th.

The 'nail/#4 disk' is likely something a previous owner attached to organize and inventory his collection.

I believe the stock stamps indicate this Model 1917 Rifle possibly went through multiple "rebuilds", at least one at San Antonio Arsenal, before or during WW2.

The missing wood behind the action tang is a serious blemish and should be patched & epoxied for shooting.

IMO - This is not a 'high end' collection piece. But, if it has a very good bore, it could be a dandy 1917 Eddystone for a bit of restoration and shooting.
I would price it in the $400 to $500 range, if it has its original barrel and a nice bore.

If it were mine, I would just clean and oil the metal.
The stock 'chip' would get patched with walnut wood & shaped to contour. A bit of stain and coats of linseed oil would be applied to the entire stock.

To me this is a promising 'shooter' & fun restoration project. (It is not a good investment /'collectable').

FWIW - I am leery of Model 1917 Rifles that were re-barreled during WW2.
This is because the receivers were subjected to great stress during the removal of the original barrel.
Such re-barreled actions should be carefully inspected to ensure that the receiver-ring has not cracked.

Original barrels will have an "Ordnance Bomb", month/year, and an initial (W/R/E), stamped on the barrel, just to the rear of the front-sight.
WW2 replacement barrels were made by 'JA' (Johnson Automatics) and 'HS' (High Standard).

Attached OP photos show wood damage and an indication of where barrel markings are found.

I have seen Eddystone actions where the forgings were incomplete, where the left side of the action lacked some metal. Yet these actions made it through inspection and were assembled as complete rifles.

The rifles I saw were part of the batch sent to the Brits in 1940. Some of that batch were returned to US. To tell them from P-14s, the Brits painted a red stripe about 2 inches wide completely around the lower band. Within the red stripe is a small stencil "30-06" in black paint. To me, a 1917 with that painted stripe is a collectible variant.