Group,   Below is a Smith & Wesson Model 1917, serial number 5247, U.S. Army issued for World War I.  This is the first variation of the S&W 1917 that has concave (dished) upper grips, grooved hammers, and the GHS inspectors mark (Gilbert H. Stewart).  This one was shipped from the Smith & Wesson factory on December 1, 1917.  This one has some light surface rust on the right side, but overall seems to have seen little use.     This configuration is found up to the 25,000 serial number range.  After this point (no exact serial number), the hammer grooves were eliminated, the grips have the standard rounded top section, and the inspection mark changed to an ordnance bomb style (and I have seen other examples).  The frames and barrels may have S1 (and higher) stamps on them as well.  According to some published reports there is an Army document dated 24 June 1920 that says a total of 163,635 revolvers were delivered numbered 1 to 169,959.   All Military Issued 1917's had the U.S. Property stamp under the barrel and on the butt they are stamped with The U.S. Army 1917 with a No. and butt swivel.  The commercial variation that were sold after WWI using left over frames and parts from the military contract will have a small S&W logo on the left side of the frame for early variations, and later (1930's or so) have the logo on the side plate (right hand side).  Some of the early 44 Hand Ejector, 2nd models will have military inspection marked frames as well.   In 1937, Brazil secured several 1917's from S&W that will have a 1937 Brazil stamp on the side plate.  The commercial versions and the Brazil issued revolvers had service style checkered grips with silver medallions.   Regards, Lyle  

Blues were tailored in Hong Kong and embroidered with his name. Medals are officially engraved.  The blues are the ones he is wearing in the portrait from his Official USAF BIO. Surgeon General USAF 1963-66.

Hello Everyone,  I just picked up this fantastic brassard last week at a local flea market. I love the Korea stuff, I definitely think it’s under appreciated. I hope everyone enjoys the photo.  Vic

Thank you Matt,   That tracks with my thinking too.  He may be an extended family member and will show up on the genealogical lineage.   1st Lt W. B. Offutt   Now that we have the initials too we should be able to find this aviation officer in the official register or listed on orders in some archive.  It made no sense at all that this was C.Y. Offutt, the older brother, Diplomat and Banker.    

My dad is wondering if you could help out with some information on his father. He passed away when my dad was 21, so my dad doesn’t know much about him.   Adolph Michael Tryba WWII - Aleutian Islands Born in Wadena, MN   Any little bit helps. Thanks again in advance - you’re seriously a wizard!

Casper Yost Offutt did not serve in a military squadron during World War I; instead, he served as a civilian diplomat for the United States Department of State. From 1917 to 1919, he was stationed in Latin America, serving as the Second Secretary of the U.S. Embassy in Chile and later as the first secretary and chargé d'affaires in Panama.     The military aviation legacy associated with his family belongs entirely to his younger brother, First Lieutenant Jarvis Jenness Offutt. Jarvis was the Omaha pilot who served in the U.S. Army Air Service and flew with the British Royal Air Force. He initially trained with the 22nd Aero Squadron and was later attached to 60 Squadron and 56 Squadron in France before tragically losing his life in August 1918. It was in honor of Jarvis—not Casper—that Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska was named.     http://www.56sqnfirebirds.org.uk/TheFirebirds/jj_offutt.htm

You:  I'm still looking for confirmation that the "1st LT Offutt" in the 75th Service Squadron is Casper Yost Offutt (October 30, 1893, d. December 20, 1987), older brother of Jarvis Offutt.    Me:   I don't believe it is Casper Yost Offutt.  See below.          

It’s seriously soooo cool!!!!

Color!!!!! Omg!! So cool, thank you!!

. Hi earlymb,   I flipped the windshield up today, but it was only to take some photos of the engine bay, I added a can of WD40 into the photo as I knew you would have a smile at that. anyway here's a wartime shot of a GPW engine bay and eighty years later a shot of my engine bay.   I have shown mine in both a colour comparison and a monochrome comparison .            Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 16  June  2O26.   ..