Douglas Jr. Posted November 16, 2009 Posted November 16, 2009 (edited) 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. Edited November 16, 2009 by Douglas Jr.
Douglas Jr. Posted November 16, 2009 Author Posted November 16, 2009 Last one. Thanks for looking! Douglas
Brian Wolfe Posted November 16, 2009 Posted November 16, 2009 An excellent post complete with a great history, one could not expect more. Nice pistol too. Any chance of posting the medals shown that are pictured with the pistol? Regards Brian
Douglas Jr. Posted November 16, 2009 Author Posted November 16, 2009 Any chance of posting the medals shown that are pictured with the pistol? Brian, Thanks for you comment and interest. In fact all those medals and patches were borrowed from a friend in order to take the "artistic pictures". I'll check with him if he can post the pictures of the medals here. For your knwledge, the medals are (from left to right): Brazilian Expeditionary Force Campaign Cross, Brazilian War Medal, Military Medal in Gold (For 30 years of Service). Wishes, Douglas.
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