French Unique Model 17 bring back

[Vietnam1965]

Private William A. Tolany who served in the US Army's 95th Division 377th Infantry Regiment Company "C", brought home this French Unique Model 17 rig.

 

[somd_mustangs]

All of 18 when he enlisted...

Looks like he lost a part or three along the way
That's a conundrum, do you find the correct grips and replace the obviously post-war hand-made wood, or leave them as-is, with no way of knowing who actually made them and installed them? Not that finding nice original grips would be easy. But at least the slide lock could be found and installed. And maybe find a spare mag for it to make it a complete rig?

 

[calicojack]

Really interesting and thanks for posting.

 

[Vietnam1965]

Thanks for the comments guys. I usually leave the bring backs as is but i think I'm going to get a slide stop. The gun came from the family so I'm pretty sure the vet put the grips on. I looked and found a magazine and a nice pair of grips but I'm not going to get them.

 

[mawkie]

Original grips for these are a tough find. Definitely get the slide stop as the pistol has decent value in today's market. Love the holster, also not easy to find and climbing in value. Thanks for doing the good detective work and sharing with us!

 

[somd_mustangs]

If it was me, I'd get the grips and especially the spare mag just to have them. If you ever need to sell it will help a lot I think, but just having them is a warm and fuzzy and for the grips in particular you need to grab when you see so to speak

 

[Vietnam1965]

Actually great advice. I bought a mag and the grips for $70. Not too bad. I'm having trouble finding the slide stop.

 

[somd_mustangs]

That was a stellar deal !
The slide stop may be a tough one... maybe keep an eye out for a complete parts kit.

 

[Vietnam1965]

Thanks! eBay had the grips and Sarco the magazine.

 

[Vietnam1965]

Newly found article!

 

[somd_mustangs]

Married at 17! - I guess before heading off to war... died way too young.