Smith & Wesson 1960 Model 17-1

Low Production Numbers

Greg Model 17-1 December 10, 2021

My interest in the K-22 Masterpiece began in November of this year. After researching these handguns, I decided to focus on the third model guns of the 1950s. While reading my Blue Book of Gun Values, I noted the Model 17-1 commanded a 25% premium. This piqued my interest since the 17-1 was from my birth year (a big deal to a lot of collectors).

Then one day as I'm browsing the auction website...

This Model 17-1 shows up with almost no bids. The gun had replacement Target Grips from a much later period. It didn't have the original box or cleaning tools. So I thought, I'm going to bid on this gun and see where it goes. I won the gun.

1960 Model 17-1

The Target Grips are much bulkier than the Magna Grips, which are my favorite. Still, this gun appealed to me. The fact that the 17-1 was one of the last 4-Screw guns was also a compelling reason to add one to my collection (like I needed an excuse). Just to be sure, I just stood up, walked over to the gun cabinet, opened the door, closed my eyes and ran my finger down the face of the trigger guard. Yep. It has a screw there.

Model 17-1 Masterpiece with Incorrect Grips

$726 Purchase Price Break-Down

Online Auction Winning Bid $625
Sales Tax $66
Shipping $35

Another factor that I believe adversely affected the market price of this gun, was the fact that it has import marks on it. The stampings are only visible upon close inspection. The presence of the markings may actually add to the historic importance of the gun in my mind. After obtaining a letter, I shall see.

Some say rules are made to be broken. Well, I broke one of my own rules when I bought this one. That $726 would have went a long way toward a nicer gun. By nicer, I simply mean one with less bluing loss, original grips and box. I have to routinely remind myself to always buy the best example of a model that you can and you won't be disappointed in the long run. It's true.

There is nothing I can do about the original grips and box being lost in the past. But those late period laminate grips are going to have to go. I may locate some period mother of pearl for it. I will follow up and add to this article in the future. Stay tuned!

Photo added December 23, 2021

The Model 17-1 Designation

In 1958 when Smith & Wesson began stamping Model 17 on the yolk of the K-22 Masterpiece, they did not stop referring to it as the K-22 Masterpiece. The box, instruction sheet, advertisements and all paperwork like the spec sheet were still calling it the "K-22 Masterpiece."

In fact, it is important to note that the name "Masterpiece" was never actually stamped on any of these guns. The left side of the barrel is stamped "Smith & Wesson" while the right side of the barrel is stamped "22 Long Rifle Ctg.", which are exactly the same barrel stampings on my 1948 example.

Model 17-1 with Incorrect Grips

So what was the change that precipitated the dash one designation? The modification was changing the ejector rod from right hand to left hand thread to prevent the rod from backing out during recoil. The next change made by Smith & Wesson that transitioned the 17-1 to the 17-2, was the removal and deletion of that fourth screw on the face of the trigger guard. The fact that so little time elapsed between the two changes made the Model 17-1 the shortest-lived of all the model designations. Hence the rarity or scarcity and the 25% premium in pricing.

The Model 17-1 serial number should fall in this range...

1960: K386805 - K429894
1961: K429895 - K468098

It's obvious that the dash one change was an effort to improve the gun, while the dash two change was merely a production cost-saving measure. It's clear to me, that if the Dash-One improvement was considered significant enough, it might add value to the collectibility of that version. However, what is not entirely clear to me, is the 25% premium being based on scarcity or rarity.

When you look at the Serial Number Tables, you might conclude that the Model 17 No Dash gun would be equally as scarce.

1958: K317823 - K350547
1959: K350548 - K386804

Again, I'm new to the K-22 and I have a lot to learn.

Smith & Wesson Model 17-1

In my quest to locate a high serial number 5-screw, I saw a K-38 serial number K2564xx that was a 5-screw. That number would put it in mid 1955 just prior to the dropping of that fifth screw. Again, I'm not saying that a 5-screw gun is better, but in my mind, the deletion of that fifth screw signaled the beginning of many cost-saving changes to the gun.

Summary

The gun I bought is very nice, but it has grips that don't belong on it and considerable bluing loss. In the last week, I've seen only one other 17-1 and it was ANIB for $1,950. With sales tax and shipping it would have cost $2,161. I would have been hesitant to shoot it and I can shoot this one all I want and not think twice.

I just need those Walnut Diamond Magna or Mother of Pearl grips for it to wear while I'm staring at my birth-year gun in the cabinet.

Update 12/23/2021: Vintage mother of pearl grips are hard to find normally, but I located some rather quickly for this one. It's almost funny. Almost. I paid more for the grips than I paid for the gun. More photos posted below.

In all liklihood, I will soon be shopping for a holster for this one.

Shop 6" bbl Holsters

Article by Greg

My MOS when I served in the United States Army was 76Y. For you non-military readers, the Military Occupational Specialty of 76 Yankee means that I was a Unit Armorer (U.S. small weapons expert). On REFORGER 85, I trained with German Paratroopers and qualified as "Expert" with the German G-3 rifle, the Israeli Uzi 9mm sub-machinegun and the 9mm handgun.