Braziain question

[buckyjoe]

Is it possible that the Brazilian 1917 models were phosphate refinished at their arsonal?

[buckyjoe]

Is it possible that the Brazilian 1917 models were phosphate refinished at their arsonal?

[wtr100]

I've been told no that was done after import back to the US - but I'm no expert - I really like my parked M1937

[delta-419]

Good question! I also have one with an "Army Green" finish and would like to know the answer. Its a piece of history on these fine old guns that is missing. Its been asked on this forum before but without a satisfactory answer. Maybe someone in Brazile knows???

[opoefc]

If your gun has an importer's stamp on it, just call the importer and ask the question.

[azmick]

was the importer stamp, mark,a hit and miss thing? for the life of me, i can not find one

[lonewolf]

Just speaking for the one I own, but on left grip front strap inside(remove grips ) is NA RDGFLD NJ. Which is Navy Arms, Ridgefield, NJ.

Navy Arms advertised several "different grades" of Brazillians in SGN GL etc when they were first imported, circa 1988. I "bit the bullet", and paid their top price for the highest grade ORIGINAL finish gun. A very fine S&W original blue, but certainly not the top civilian "polish". BUT- my gun is in the 111k number range, so a left over wartime 1917 frame that wasn't shipped.

If I recall correctly, as least Navy Arms, offered an "arsenal refinish" grade gun for a less cost than mine. Well, it was what I call a "hot dip blue" over pitting!

There is one of these,or was on Monday, at KTP for $325. Looks great,certainly better than the 40 to 50% finish examples, UNTIL you get within in a foot of it, in the right light.

Reminds me of a lady I picked up in a bar, when I was in my late 20's! The daylight(and my being sober by then) showed her "wear and tear"....but her 'action was smooth, and accuracy great', despite being "vintage"!

Bud

[dogngun]

My understanding is they were imported as-is and any refurbishing was done here by the importer/seller.
Evidently, many 1917's were also refinished in verious types of blue and Park by re-sellers.

Mark

[msinabottle]

A sad thought...

A thick coat of Parkerizing might hide the Brazilian crest and any wear, and nail someone who wanted the big old wheel-gun. I thought they'd originally all been Parkerized before I 'boned up' on the subject.

I'd RATHER believe that a bunch of 'em were buybacks, or U.S. refits of Brazilian guns during WWII for an ally--but there's no grounds for that.

At least it's a hard, glare-free finish.

Best!