The M1917 ain't a belly gun to be sure. I've been looking for one for a collector and shooter. Average condition with US Property marks is $500 around here. Many w/o US marks were sold to south american govts and are cheaper.
Quality and reliability were what you would expect for Colt and S&W in those days. Old pistol bullseye shooters have told me they were very accurate.
Regards
J.R.