S&W 1917: remembering the Brazilian Expeditionary Force

Douglas Jr. · #1 08-11-2010, 12:22 PM

Hello all,

I just recently joined the forum, as I'm becoming an adiction S&W revolvers. So, allow me to present you the gun that triggered this new interest.

Here is my 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 its historical background.

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.). An additional contract of around 12,000 guns was made right after WWII and shipped in 1946.

According to author and researcher Roy Jinks these guns falls in the following serial ranges:

First Brazilian Contract Group (25,000 units), shipped beginning in 1938, serial number range: 181983 to 207043

Second Brazilian Contract Group (12,000 units), shipped beginning in 1946, two serial number ranges: (1) 166,000 to 175150 and (2) 207,196 to 209878.

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 as well as checkered grips with S&W medallion, 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 both newly made parts with commercial finishing standards and stocked psrts – and also help S&W finances that were in bad shape at that time. The Brazilian "Modelo 1937" revolvers

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, who 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 200301, came with Pachmayr shooting grips but I managed to find a very nice set of repro grips, thanks to a fellow collector in US.

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.

In some of the pictures you can see the "Smoking Snake" patch wore by the Brazilian troops. The story regarding the origin of the phrase about a smoking snake is controversial.

Due to the Brazilian dictatorship's unwillingness to get more deeply involved in the Allied war effort, by 1942 a popular saying was that "it's more likely for snakes to start to smoke now than for the BEF to set out." ("Mais fácil uma cobra fumar do que a FEB embarcar"). Until the BEF entered combat, the expression "a cobra vai fumar" ("snakes will smoke") was often used in Brazil in a context similar to "when pigs fly." As a result, the soldiers of the BEF called themselves Cobras Fumantes (literally, Smoking Snakes), hence the divisional shoulder patch that showed a snake smoking a pipe. After the war the meaning was reversed, signifying that something will definitively happen and in a furious and aggressive way.

This fighting spirit is clearly illustrated by an episode that ocurred near the end of war. During the capture of Montese, three Brazilian soldiers, Arlindo Lúcio da Silva, Geraldo Baeta da Cruz, and Geraldo Rodrigues de Souza, when on a patrol, ran into an entire German Company. Though ordered to surrender, the Brazilians refused and fought to the death. In recognition of their bravery, the Germans would bury them and write on their crosses "Drei brasilianische Helden" (Three Brazilian Heroes). It is also interesting to note that the Brazilian Army was not racial-segregated, which caused some amusement to the Americans from the 5th Army.

For those interested the learn more about the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, I highly recommend the essay "Brazil and World War II: The Forgotten Ally" by Frank D. McCann (New Hapshire University):

EIAL VI2 - Brazil and World War II: The Forgotten Ally.What did you do in the war, Z Carioca?

Sorry for the long post. If is not according to the forum rules, feel free to delete it.

Regards,

Douglas.

Douglas Jr. · #2 08-11-2010, 12:24 PM

More pictures...

Douglas Jr. · #3 08-11-2010, 12:26 PM

few more shots...

Douglas Jr. · #4 08-11-2010, 12:29 PM

I never get tired of pictures...

Douglas Jr. · #5 08-11-2010, 12:33 PM

An artistic picture (for those who wants a screensaver), followed by some images of Brazilian troops in Italy.

Douglas Jr. · #6 08-11-2010, 12:44 PM

Lat, but not the least, are two pictures of the M937 (how it was called here) in use. The first picture was taken in 1943 during a recrut training. The second image has a soldier that went to Suez Channel in 1958 as part of the UNO Peacekeeper forces that stayed there for years...

Hope you enjoy it. If I made any wrong statement, please feel free to correct me.

All the best,

Douglas.

LWCmdr45 · #7 08-11-2010, 12:57 PM

Thank you, sir, for your detailed post. We collectors/shooters in the United States have come to appreciate the M37, but rarely hear much about its use by your countrymen. Well done!

Steve

m-1911 · #8 08-11-2010, 01:00 PM

Douglas

Thanks for the interesting and informative posting. I have always been a fan of the Model 1937, although I know that some colectors look down on them, sort of like the "red headed stepchild" of the N frames. Interesting too is that the Brazilians were previously armed with Luger pistols, I can never remember seeing any of them show up here on the US market.

DCWilson · #9 08-11-2010, 01:07 PM

Douglas, thanks for all the pictures. I appreciate both your enthusiasm and your narrative.

I have a Brazilian that I finally determined would have been part of the 1946 contract -- round-top frame, parts numbers from the 1920s. It was well used and had some issues when I got it, but I replaced some parts, cleaned it well, tuned it up and now have an excellent .45 ACP shooter.

A lot of other people here have similar high regard for the Brazilian contract 1917s.

Camster · #10 08-11-2010, 01:14 PM

Thank you Douglas for an interesting and informative post.
Eventhough I have an interest in WW2,I confess my ignorance of the Braziian contribution.

Elmer · #11 08-11-2010, 01:21 PM

Yes, thank you Douglas!

I have a couple of the 1937's that I bought from the importer, that were unissued, with only a few handling marks. I stuck them aside for the day when folks would realize what gems they are.

Lowpower · #12 08-11-2010, 01:22 PM

A nice history. How are your laws in Brazil? Do you have local firing ranges?

My son-in-law had a Brazilian 1911 .45 ACP. Unfortunately, he sold before I expressed interest in it. I did fire it and it is the same as a U.S.G.I. .45.

I also own a 1917 Brazilian. It's pure joy to shoot.

Did the Brazilians also have Broom Handle Mausers and were they made in Germany and imported or perhaps some made in Brazil?

Lowpower

sunday bill · #13 08-11-2010, 01:24 PM

Douglas Jr., great posts and photos. I've only owned my Brazilian (serial # 1897XX, with 7246 stamped on the backstrap) a couple months. In limited use it has already proven to be a good shooter.

Thanks for the history of these grand old S&Ws and of the Brazilian unit in WWII.

sw702 · #14 08-11-2010, 02:28 PM

Thank you for your GREAT post. Green bullets ? also would like to know more about guns & ammo ownership. Thank again.

FinnMike · #15 08-11-2010, 02:58 PM

Hmmmm...My Brazilian is sn's 163,5xx. Does not seem to fit in either date range of issue.....???

Douglas Jr. · #16 08-11-2010, 03:30 PM

Mike,
I still think that serial range is wider than previously reported, as several "flyers" has risen.I heard of even three digit serial numbers - but never saw one.

Douglas

Jack Flash · #17 08-11-2010, 03:43 PM

Thank you for the excellent narrative and for including so many excellent photographs. This is very educational to me as I never knew most of what you posted.

The question below: I think Mr. Jinks has acknowledged that there are quite a few Brazillians that fall outside his approximate ranges. I have one myself. Some time after WWII, when S&W was cleaning house in anticipation of returning to civilian production, some long-forgotten WWI frames and other parts turned up. These were made up into M1917s and sent along to Brazil with the rest of the 1946 shipment.

Quote:

Hmmmm...My Brazilian is sn's 163,5xx. Does not seem to fit in either date range of issue.....???

Douglas Jr. · #18 08-11-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sw702

also would like to know more about guns & ammo ownership. Thank again.

Thanks for all your compliments. As I just joined the forum, I decided to collaborate in some way with a different kind of information. I strongly believe that a forum is a two-way road, as you should also share information and not only ask.

Well concerning gun ownership in Brazil, I will try to sum it up to you.

As a general rule, a civilian is allowed to own only two guns of each type: two handguns (pistol or revolver), two rifle and two shotguns. For those guns the caliber is also limited: 380 ACP for pistols, 38 S&W Special for revolvers, 12 ga. for shotguns and .44-40 for rifles. Full automatic guns, suppressors and restricted calibers are prohibited and you can face preventive prison without bail in case of offense. These are the guns allowed for personal defense, basically.

However, if you decide to become a collector, first you must to obtain a specific authorization which is issued by the Brazilian Army’s “Controlled Products Inspection Office” (SFPC). Your criminal background is checked and several documents must be presented. The cost for the 1st certification is around US$ 500.00. The license must be renewed every two years but the costs are much cheaper: US$ 200.00. Every year you must to inform what guns are in your collection and every transfer should be reported.

At this point you may want to ask: what’s the advantage?

It is quite simple: by getting the “Firearms Collector’s License” you have no restrictions concerning caliber or quantity of guns you are allowed to own. In addition, you can also own all kind of full automatic firearms IF made prior to 1945 (which is enough to me). No modification or deactivation are needed.

Black powder guns are considered obsolete and do not require registration or authorization. However, for precaution, most collectors prefer to register this type of guns also.

Hunters and sportive shooters (IPSC, etc.) also have specific statutes. So there are gun clubs and shooting ranges down here.

There are also severe restrictions about displaying, carrying or selling collectable guns, in a way that it is virtually impossible (or VERY DIFFICULT) to have gun shows. The media (supported by the government and non-governmental organizations) is highly biased against pro-gun public.

Back in 2005 there was move to legally prohibit the gun ownership by civilians in Brazil (as happened in Australia and UK). This proposition was submitted to a public consult and, to my surprise, it was plainly rejected by 67% of the voters, in spite of all the campaign against the guns conducted by those entities. But this environment (and the endemic violence in major cities areas) made most of the collectors became more and more low profile and reclusive during the last ten years.

So, you must to rely only on your network with other collectors to find the guns. This is the only source we have, as there is no gun shows at all as you have in US.

I think that's it. Feel free to ask any further questions.

Douglas.

TheHobbyist · #19 08-11-2010, 04:03 PM

Wow! Thanks Douglas for a great post and very informative follow-up questions and answers!

Great job!

Douglas Jr. · #20 08-11-2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camster

Thank you Douglas for an interesting and informative post.
Eventhough I have an interest in WW2,I confess my ignorance of the Braziian contribution.

The Brazilain Expeditionary Force troops won several bravery medals from US (remembering that it was attached to the 5th US Army). One Distinguished Service Cross, a. 30 Silver Stars and around 180 Bronze Stars were awarded to Brazilian soldiers. They had 465 KIA, 2,722 WIA, 35 POWs and 16 MIA.
But they captured 2 generals, 892 officers and more than 19,000 soldiers from German and Fascists Italian troops.

In addition, Brazil also sent a Fighter-Bomber Squadron ("Senta a Púa"), who flew in Italy attached to the USAAF 350th Fighter Group, using P-47 Thunderbolts fighters, mostly on ground attack missions. The 1st Fighter Group personnel received 17 Distinguished Flying Cross (US), 127 Air Medals and five Bronze Stars. As a result this unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (US). They lost nine pilots (KIA / KIFA) and flew 445 missions, 2,550 individual sorties, and 5,465 combat flight hours, from 11 November 1944 to 6 May 1945.

Below some pictures of the Air Force guys who fought in Italy, and one of their P-47 currently preserved in a museum (I took the picture).

I thought you may like to see these old newsreels:
YouTube - ‪FEB - Brazil at war with the Nazis 1942/1943 by Newsrell‬&lrm;
YouTube - ‪FILME AMERICANO SOBRE A FEB 1944‬&lrm;

Douglas.

Ray · #21 08-11-2010, 04:36 PM

Hi Douglas, Raimundo here from Rio de Janeiro writing in english in order to our forum friends to understand.I live in Rio and your post was very good.
I had once a model 37 but as I had not yet 3 years of SFPC registration as a collector I had to pass it to another colector.May be someday I´ll buy it from him.
Greetings, Abraço, Raimundo

clang444 · #22 08-11-2010, 04:46 PM

My Brazilian is also outside the SNs - 164XXX. Early Rear Site, Smooth Grips and Eagle Head acceptance stamps. A WWI left over form the parts bin.

WPD26 · #23 08-11-2010, 04:58 PM

Douglas,

Thank you for the great posts. Now I will have to get one to go with my 1917.

I did not realize that joining a "free" forum would cost me money!

dangt · #24 08-11-2010, 06:59 PM

Douglas, Thank you for the info on 1937's. I have found only a little of the history of Brazil in WWII on the internet.

I have a very small question about the national emblem stamped on the sideplate. Why is "Brazil" not spelled "Brasil" as I have seen it on the national emblem depicted in my encylopedia and on various products from Brazil I have owned, encluding several Taurus revolvers? Did S&W make a spelling mistake?

Dan T.

adowns · #25 08-11-2010, 08:06 PM

Douglas, very informative posts. I never knew Brazil sent troops to Europe.

tekarra · #26 08-11-2010, 08:14 PM

Douglas, thank you for your informative and interesting post. I recall the Brazilian contingent in Italy, but I was not aware they were in the Suez peace effort.

Douglas Jr. · #27 08-12-2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dangt

I have a very small question about the national emblem stamped on the sideplate. Why is "Brazil" not spelled "Brasil" as I have seen it on the national emblem depicted in my encylopedia and on various products from Brazil I have owned, encluding several Taurus revolvers? Did S&W make a spelling mistake?

Dan T.

Dan,

S&W didn't make any mistake. That's was the way that country's name was spelled until 1943, when an orthographic revision was made. Since then, "Brasil" is the correct spelling.

However, I think that, for the guns delivered in 1946, the old spelling would be incorrect.

I hope you had found the links provided concerning Brazil in WWII interesting.

Ray,

Good to see another Brazilian here. I'm a collector for 15 years, so I already have all the requirements needed own this kind of gun.

Greetings from São Paulo.

Douglas.

n4zov · #28 08-12-2010, 08:34 AM

It is interesting to note that Brazil, entered the War in August 1942 and was the only South American country to send combat troops to Europe. Other countries from this region waited until 1945 to declare war and then largely to insure membership in the United Nations. Nine other countries also sided with the U.S. in December 1941, providing assistance to the U.S. in the form of transit facilities and sea and naval bases, with Mexico as the only one to provide some military assistance.

gregintenn · #29 08-12-2010, 09:16 AM

THanks for your interesting and informative post. I have a Brazillian contract 1937, and I really like it. It is nice to learn more about them.

H Richard · #30 08-12-2010, 10:39 AM

My Brazilian has S/N 1707XX, and was dated by Roy as in the Apr. 1946 shipment. One of the leftover WW1 frames they "found" in the plant, and used to build the 1946 contract. Mine came with early WW1 concave top grips. It is a great shooter.

Jack Flash · #31 08-12-2010, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

My Brazilian has S/N 1707XX, and was dated by Roy as in the Apr. 1946 shipment. One of the leftover WW1 frames they "found" in the plant, and used to build the 1946 contract. Mine came with early WW1 concave top grips. It is a great shooter.

That is very interesting that it has those stocks. What kind of condition are they in? I ask because many of these were used hard. As Douglas has shown, many saw combat under extreme conditions.

Texas Star · #32 08-12-2010, 06:33 PM

Douglas-

Wonderful photos and I loved reading your posts.

I've read the books by jaguar hunter Sasha Siemel, who came to Brazil from Latvia, around the time of World War One. I believe that he and his brother left Latvia when the Russians annexed it. Siemel also used S&W revolvers, mainly in .44 caliber, but also was given a .357 Magnum by the company in the 1930's. His stories of the Mato Grosso are fascinating.

How large was the Brazilian force sent to Italy? (How many soldiers?)

I hope that you will post often. Welcome to the board.

All of your information was very interesting, although I knew about the P-47 fighters.

Texas Star

Texas Star · #33 08-12-2010, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n4zov

It is interesting to note that Brazil, entered the War in August 1942 and was the only South American country to send combat troops to Europe. Other countries from this region waited until 1945 to declare war and then largely to insure membership in the United Nations. Nine other countries also sided with the U.S. in December 1941, providing assistance to the U.S. in the form of transit facilities and sea and naval bases, with Mexico as the only one to provide some military assistance.

I think that Mexican pilots flew P-47's in the Phillipines. And I knew that Brazilian pilots had these in Italy.

But I have no idea whether either scored any air-to-air kills.
They may have flown entirely fighter-bomber missions.

Of the American countries, Argentina may have been most in sympathy with Germany, perhaps Paraguay. Many Nazis settled there after the war, I think.

T-Star

Texas Star · #34 08-12-2010, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

Hi Douglas, Raimundo here from Rio de Janeiro writing in english in order to our forum friends to understand.I live in Rio and your post was very good.
I had once a model 37 but as I had not yet 3 years of SFPC registration as a collector I had to pass it to another colector.May be someday I´ll buy it from him.
Greetings, Abraço, Raimundo

Raimundo-

What's this about?

Do you have to have a collector's license for years to own an old .45 revolver?

Are any calibers banned there, as being only for military use?

Are the Beretta 9mm pistols well regarded by Brazilian troops? I know that Taurus now has that factory. Is Taurus as a brand well thought of there?

Is the FN 7.62mm FAL still the army rifle?

We don't hear much about Latin American countries up here.
Even the natural disaster in Chile got minimal coverage. The media is too fascinated with Haiti. (I think I know why, but probably can't post it here.) Most of what I read about concerning Argentina or Chile has to do with their fine wines. But of Brazil, we learn very little, apart from your famous models, like Ana Beatriz Barros, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Adriana Lima, who are famous here, too.

It's good to see you on the board.

T-Star

j38 · #35 08-12-2010, 11:44 PM

Douglas,

Thank you for a refreshingly informative post (and pictures!). Do you own any more S&W's?

Best Regards,

Jerry

Ray · #36 08-13-2010, 08:53 AM

Hi Texas Star the brazilian situation is very grim indeed.The original poster already stated the allowed calibers for "normal" civilians.I prefer instead to call them serfs , dupes of a series of very corrupt and criminal governments.This caliber restriction can be traced back to the Getulio Vargas dictatorship ans here I´m not sure - from the late thirties to the early fifties.At some point in that time span certain calibers were excluded for posession by civilians.
Today as the OP affirms, only the ones who register with the army as collectors or shooters can posess non civilians calibers as 9 mm, 45 ACP and all rifle numbers except the 44.40 Win.
Well maybe we are not in the same level of gun control of Cuba but we, sure as hell are going straight for it.
Best Regards and fell free to ask any question, Ray.

Douglas Jr. · #37 08-13-2010, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j38

Douglas,

Thank you for a refreshingly informative post (and pictures!). Do you own any more S&W's?

Best Regards,

Jerry

Your're welcome!
I currently own only two S&W.
Here is the other: Help with Safety Hammerless .32

But this number will rise for sure.

Douglas Jr. · #38 08-13-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Star

Are any calibers banned there, as being only for military use?

Are the Beretta 9mm pistols well regarded by Brazilian troops? I know that Taurus now has that factory. Is Taurus as a brand well thought of there?

Is the FN 7.62mm FAL still the army rifle?

T-Star,

Thanks for your compliments but you forgot Gisele Bündchen! Shame on you pal!

Seriously, if you want few more details about the draconian gun laws in Brazil, check the message #18 on this very same topic. There you will find a brief explantion how the things work here for gun enthusiasts...

The Fal in 7,62mm (or .308 NATO) is still in use with Brazilian Army. There are several plans to have it replaced for a new generation .223 Rem assault rifle but not much is heard about it. The fact is: the FAL is still highly praised by our soldier. I have several friends that are officers and they all enjoy the rifle and his large caliber. The FAL is also carried by some Law enforcement special units, in their fight agains drug dealers. They also love it.

On the other hand, I never heard any complain about the Taurus pistols. They had been in service since 1976 and worked well. There are a few IMBEL M973 pistols, which is a M1911 clone but in 9mm Luger. It is the same gun that is sold by Springfield Inc. in US.

Taurus company was owned by S&W during several years and only in 1971 it became a entity with Brazilian shareholders majority. Hence, mos of its revolvers still hava a strong influence of those designed by S&W.

Feel free to ask any further questions!

Douglas

1-1917 · #39 09-05-2012, 10:10 AM

Sorry for dragging this up. I just stumbled across the post when I googled Brazilian 1937.. Having one of these, I had no idea about Brazils involvement in WWII. What an intersting story. I've just spent the last hr. googling articles on the Brazilian involvement. Some great reads out there that might give anyone with a Brazilian 1917 a little more respect for that country and their revolver. Thanks for this post even if it is a few years late.

Jack Flash · #40 09-05-2012, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1-1917

Sorry for dragging this up. ...

No need to apologize, I'm sure a lot of folks here have never seen this fascinating thread.

It helps explain why the Brazilians in the 1938 shipment often show much more use and abuse than those from the 1946 shipment. Not only were they in use a lot longer, but they also went through a war.

Wiregrassguy · #41 09-05-2012, 12:18 PM

Why not put it in the notable thread links, if it is not already there. I certainly learned a few things from this thread.

Coldshooter · #42 09-05-2012, 03:31 PM

When I start to think the web is a waste a great thread comes along. We would not be able to have such an exchange without the effort this forum takes, Thanks.

quinn · #43 09-05-2012, 03:32 PM

Fantastic post, Douglas. My Brazilian is one of my absolute favorites despite the fact that it has little finish and various numbers don't match. It locks up like a vault and is more accurate than I am. Glad to know that it had a distinguished service record. It is well appreciated today.

JSR III · #44 09-05-2012, 05:07 PM

Unfortunately, Douglas has not posted in over a year. Hopefully if you are still out there, you will see many new posts to your original thread. I don't have a Brazilian yet but I am very fond of the 1917. As soon as I can find one in decent shape, it will join the family.

Old Corp · #45 09-05-2012, 05:44 PM

Great post and thread. Even though I have what I consider a really good 'US' M1917, I have a special memory of Brazilian M1937's that will always haunt me. Have wanted one ever since.
Back in the mid-to-late '80's, I was a 'back pocket' FFL holder, and being pre-internet, subscribed to 'Shotgun News'.
I do not recall the name of the wholesaler, but do vividly recall many months of near full-page ads of recently imported Brazilian M1937's being advertised. As I recall, the 'grab bag' price was $150, hand picked for $175.
I recall considering getting one, but had other more pressing business at hand.
Now, every time I see one or peruse ads for them, I recall those darn Shotgun News ads and my dumb lack of action.

Texas Star · #46 09-05-2012, 06:22 PM

I think it is a great thread, too!

Douglas-

If you see this, I didn't really forget Gisele Bundchen, just didn't list all Braziian models also working here. Too many.

But I certainly know who she is, and she is worth about 150 million USD, probably the richest model in the world. She is married to a US football player, with the New York Jets, I think. She got in trouble for criticizing his team mates for dropping his passes in one game, defending her husband.

I just don't like her somewhat aloof attitude and her face, so didn't mention her earlier. Ana Beatriz Barros is my favorite.

It's a pity that so many of the M-1917 .45's are in such poor condition. I've seen the .45 autos only in photos.

Jack Flash · #47 09-06-2012, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Star

I just don't like her somewhat aloof attitude and her face, so didn't mention her earlier. Ana Beatriz Barros is my favorite.

...

Yeah, I'm really picky about super models too.

1-1917 · #48 09-06-2012, 08:20 AM

Found an interesting read on Brazils involvement in WWII. Maybe more than most care to read but if you own one of these revolvers, it might add some interest to it. article

Allen in MT · #49 09-18-2012, 05:01 PM

The S&W DA 45 ACP Brazilian that I looked at today looks to be SN# 418 from the end of the 2nd contract group. this one is stamped on the top of barrel, No S&W stamp on Rt side of barrel. SN on yoke matches frame #. Is there a difference in price from the S&W Rt side stamp Vs S&W stamp on top of barrell

Frank46 · #50 09-19-2012, 02:08 AM

I had long wanted a genuine M1917 for my collection. But due to today's prices figured that was much like a **** shoot. I put a wanted ad on the forum and actually had a few to chose from. I bought the Brazilian model 1st contract. One of these days I'm going to get it rebarreled (already have the bbl) gold bead front sight and possibly a S&W rear sight added. Old eyes you know. Frank