S&W M1917 Brazilian Contract: remembering the BEF

[Douglas Jr.]

Hello all,

This is my first "serious" post here. Allow me to present you the Brazilian Contract Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolver. I know these are not the "big deal" for most of you, but it I intend to use this small article and display to honor the Brazilian Expeditionary Force that fought during WWII.

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): had plain, smooth wood grips, 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.

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 - and the 2,500 casualties suffered by our Armed Forces - the that also fought against the Nazis in Italy, I made some special photos to celebrate them.

Regards,

Douglas.

[Douglas Jr.]

more

[Douglas Jr.]

few more details

[Douglas Jr.]

last ones

[Shoeless Joe]

Obrigado Douglas! Eu gostei muito. Eu falo um pouco Port. - mas agora e bem enferregado. Desculpe! I enjoyed your article. I admire the Brazilian WW2 veterans very much. They were extremely courageous soldiers who unfortunately aren't given their due in history books. Thanks again

[Douglas Jr.]

Obrigado Joe!
I'm glad you like it. And your Portuguese is still in nice shape! Have you lived here?

Douglas.