Douglas Jr.

...

Hello all, Let me present you my newest purchase: the Brazilian Contract Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolver. I know these are not the "big deal" for most of you, but it really enjoyed this one, so allow me to bug you with my new toy. By 1937 the Brazilian Armed Forces had started a weapons updating program - the first organized process of purchase modern equipment since 1910. In late 1930s, the standard sidearm of the Brazilian Army was the 7,65mm Luger pistol (in its Model 1906 configuration) but most of the 5000 guns bought in 1908 were already worn out or had been transferred to State Law Enforcements. To make things worse, several minor purchasing of both original as well Spanish copies of Smith & Wesson MP revolvers had been made during the 20s. Then in late 30s it was decided that, for logistical and strategic matters, the sidearm must be standardized. The Army Ordnance chose the .45 ACP ammo as the new caliber for the Armed Forces and went shopping. An order for 25,000 M1917 revolvers for Smith & Wesson followed (another 25,000 Colts M1911A1 were also bought, but this is another story). The revolver, which was choose also because it was easier to be trained and handle with when compared with semi-autos, was intended to be issued to NCOs and/or rear guard soldiers (MPs, artillery officers, cavalry, etc.). The Modelo 1937 revolver is almost a clone of the Smith & Wesson M1917 (N frame) that served with the US military in both World Wars, with only few minor changes (such as the rear sight): most had plain, smooth wood grips (some with checkered grips with the S&W disc are reported), serrated trigger, a lanyard ring, is marked Made in USA on the right side of the frame and S&W D.A. 45 on the left side of the barrel and fires the 45 ACP using the famous half moon clips. According to a friend who visited S&W plant in early 90s and make contact with their historians, the Brazilian revolvers were assembled with newly made parts with commercial finishing standards and also help S&W finances that were in bad shape at that time. The Brazilian "Modelo 1937" revolvers fall in the 181983-207989 serial number range were delivered in two separated batches: a first and bigger batch shipped in early 1938 (serial numbers 181983-207043) and a second, small batch shipped in 1946 (207196-207989). In 1944, when the Brazilian Expeditionary Force went to Italy (under the 5th US Army) to fight in WWII, most of its troops were fit after its arriving in Naples (mostly Colt M1911A1 pistols, Springfield M1903 rifles, M3A1 submachine guns and M1 carbines). However, a few hundred of revolvers Modelo 1937 went with some officers that preferred this kind of weapon instead of the semi-auto pistol (at least one Brazilian general is known to have carried one of these in Italy) and with the Brazilian Military Police staff. After the war the Modelo 1937 revolvers stayed in service for three more decades, to be finally withdrawn from use in mid-1970s. My father, served in an anti-aircraft battery in 1965-1966 remembers to see a few cavalry troops armed with the S&W revolver. Unfortunately for Brazilian collectors, most of the survivors (and there were many) were sold to US Gun Surplus dealers in 1989-1990 and not many have remained down here. But I finally got myself one this year. This one, serial number 200xxx, came with Pachmayr shooting grips but I managed to find a very nice set of repro grips, thanks to forum member Chris (blushirt23). Hope you enjoyed, remembering that it served my country during one World War and for three more decades after that. It is a loud statement of the fine quality of these guns. And, to remember the 25,000 Brazilian soldiers that also fought against the Nazis in Italy, I made some special photos to celebrate them. Regards, Douglas.

Helen, That's a nice, honest, not messed up, P38. I really enjoyed it. Personally I don't care if a gun has its "scars" as I appreciate the "it was there"-look. In fact I used to have a P.38 made by Walther (ac) in late '43 ("m" block) that was in pretty much same condition as the Museum's is. Thanks for sharing! Douglas

Thanks Christophe!

Hello, Sorry if I posted this on the wrong forum, but I don't know exectly where to ask this question. As you all know it was a common practice to given foreign monarchs honorary commander titles of regiments as a kind of simbol of prestige and to show how strong were the ties between the monarchies. Now about the Bulgarian Tsar: was Ferdinand I named honorary commander of a German (or Austrian) Regiment between 1900-1918? If so what were these regiments? Considering the he belonged to the German-based House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, it would not suprise me if he beared any title of this kind. Thanks in advance, Douglas.

Nesredep, I surely like it! The P38 lanyard is a very rare item and yours is marked! Very nice! Douglas

Outstanding group Scott! Congratulations! Douglas

Rick, I always thought that the time for "war years" was still counted in double during Third Reich for Wehrmacht or Polizei soldiers. Shame on me. In fact I have seen several medal/ribbon bars with Imperial Service Medals coupled together with Faithful Service or Long Service medals. Thanks a lot for your very sharp answer. Dougals

Hi, I have a couple of question regarding the criteria to award the Polizei Long Sevice Medals: Does the time spent in military during WWI was counted for appliance to get a LS medal? If so, the wartime time service was counted twice in order to be elegible for the decoration (as happened with the Army/Luftwaffe/Kriegsmarine medals)? Thanks in advance. Douglas

Nice and interesting topic.

This is because my pictures didn't show the magazine side view. Its position inside the holster made it look very thin. Unfortunately I don't know Major Amaro - I live in São paulo, not Rio - but I have a few friends from "Policia Militar". Thanks for the compliments about my country. If one day you decide to stops by in São Paulo, even as a tourist, let me know! We can have a dinner. And here are few pictures of the magazine: Greetings, Douglas.

Mervyn, Thanks for your kind comments. What you see is a spare magazine, that came with the gun. Both magazines have stamps for the Mauser inspector (WaA135), which lead me to assume that they might original to the gun. I live in Brazil, but I think that this gun came here as a war trophy. I don't know if you are aware, but we sent a Expeditionary Division ( 25,000 troops) to fight against the Germans in Italy, in 1944. They fought as part of the 5th Army under general Mark Clark from September 1944 until May 1945. We also sent a Fighter-Bomber Group, equipped with Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, which was attached to the 350th Fighter Group of the USAAF. That's why I think that this probably cvame as a souvenir, but its story was lost over the decades... Greetings, Douglas

Mervyn, Thanks again for your kind and helpful reply. All the best, Douglas

I never met him personally, but having work with a site devoted to the Luftwaffe for many years, made me a fan of him. I never heard or read any negative comments about him both as a fighter pilot or as a man. He will be truly missed. Douglas.

Nesredep, Thanks for your kind words. Glad you liked. Douglas

Well, I posted the measures... Is there anything else that can be added based on this information? Any hints about its value would be appreciated. Thanks again, Douglas.

Extraordinary work. Building a nice model to display with original items was a great idea - and it requires some good amount of talent!

MErvin, Very nice pistols! Thanks for sharing and posting so much information. Brian, Don't be mean with your wife. To find a woman who enjoys firearms (no matter what model) is a blessing! Greetings, Douglas

Thanks to all of you who provided your valuable opinions! I really appreciated that. Wishes, Douglas.

...

back paint texture

front paint texture

...

...

...