I'm considering a trade for a 1937 and was looking for some info. It looks to be the original blue finish which I would put at about 85%, it has all matching numbers and I didn't see any import stamps, ser # 188xxx. The stocks have me a little confused they are the large medallion checkered type but the ser# is only 5 digits. Did all the Brazilian model have the commercial style stocks? I've seen some that have them and others have the smooth type.

There were two contracts for the Brazilian government. The first was in 1937. 25,000 were built and shipped. These were built like other S&Ws in 1937-square notch rear sights and 1930s medallion service grips. Commercial N frames in the 1930s-.38 Heavy Duties, .38 Outdoormen, .44 Specials-both 2nd and 3rd models- were only in the 5 digit serial number range. 1917s had their own SN range.

In 1946, S&W had a number of surplus 1917 frames and they built and sold these to Brazil. These used mostly WW I surplus parts, including smooth service grips.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Sometimes the import stamps are under the stocks. Or maybe someone forgot to stamp that one. By the way, stocks are easy to remove and replace. So it is possible they were swapped in Brazil or really any time before you saw it.

By the serial number, it sounds like the subject revolver was in the first group (see below). Meaning it should have a square notch rear sight. If you have any pictures, post them as they would be helpful.

This came from a letter written by Roy Jinks:
Serial Numbers, First Brazilian Contract Group (25,000 units), 1938+, 181,983 to 207,043
Delivery began 2/15/38, usually in lots of 1,000 units.

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You're shy a few manners.

I pretty much decided on the trade and will pick up the 1937 today after I get back I'll take some pics and post them.

I made the trade and I'm happy with the gun. It's in good shape considering it's a military sidearm. all matching numbers except for the stocks which are the right type but wrong number. It did have a import stamp that I didn't notice yesterday that I'm assuming is Navy Arms. I haven't given it any TLC yet I figure to do that tomorrow.

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Yes that's a Navy Arms stamp all right. Those stocks are right for a First Group Gun, I do believe. Looks like a good one.

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You're shy a few manners.

Mechanically it's about as good as you could ask for, no end shake or push off, the bore is bright and crisp. I haven't opened it up yet to check the internals I planned on that for tomorrow.

I own a close relative of yours #188837, mine has the rack number of 6470 on grip frame. It came in through SACO and was nowhere in the condition of yours. It had been nicely-reblued, I picked it up as a project and cut it down to 4" and installed a Baughman style front side with red insert as well as a Wondersight. You will be very happy with it, it was my first revolver chambered for .45ACP and got me started shooting that cartridge in a number of revolvers.

If it has a flat top frame, those are correct grips.
If it has a round top frame, they would be smooth.

Looks like a pretty nice one.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

It is a flat top with the square notch sight. I was pretty sure the stocks were the correct type. The ser# on the stocks are 55508
which would likely be off a 38/44 heavy duty or a 3rd model .44.

or a 2nd Model 44 or a Reg Mag or a 38/44 Outdoorsman......

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

You are correct.

Well, now you've gone and done it. It was a dirty Brazilian that got me started down the evil road of Pre-war N frames which have seized control of my gun safe.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

Most of the Brazilans you see have a beat-to-hell finish on them. I have heard they were just thrown into barrels when they were taken out of service. Both of mine have this beat-up finish. But both are great shooters. Yours is quite nice. Those stocks with the large medallions are pretty desirable too!

I'm seriously considering talking to DWFAN and asking if he would be willing to do a restoration on those stocks, they're not in terrible shape now and it wouldn't take a whole lot to give them a new lease on life.
He's working on a set of non-relieved targets for me right now so I'll let him finish those before I ask for anything else.

I have a 1937 Brazilian contract 45 revolver. Mine has a mixture of fine and not so fine pitting on the whole revolver and if you take the stocks off large deep pits I keep saying this but have serious thoughts about a 4" bbl. I got lucky and bought a NOS 45 barrel for a member of this forum and its perfect. My old barrel did see a lot of use with corrosive ammo so there are good spots and not so good spots. I have one of the wonder sights and with my old eyes have a hard time lining up the sights. So that leads to my next question, how expensive would it be to have the top strap milled out for an adjustable rear sight and rework the halfmoon front sight?. Haven't taken off the side plate to see what awaits. Probably get it bead blasted and have a set of targets with no checkering. Frank