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.

m-1911 · #7 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.

Lowpower · #8 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

Douglas Jr. · #9 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

TheHobbyist · #10 08-11-2010, 04:03 PM

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

Great job!

clang444 · #11 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 · #12 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 · #13 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 · #14 08-11-2010, 08:06 PM

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

Douglas Jr. · #15 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.

tekarra · #16 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.

gregintenn · #17 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 · #18 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 · #19 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.

Wiregrassguy · #20 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 · #21 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 · #22 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 · #23 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.

Texas Star · #24 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 · #25 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.

Old Corp · #26 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.

1-1917 · #27 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 · #28 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 · #29 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

JSR III · #30 09-19-2012, 02:21 AM

Quote:

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.

Oh the HORROR of it all. That US football player is New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady. We here in New England don't use his name and the NY Jets in the same sentence unless its to report how badly we beat them in a game.

StrawHat · #31 05-19-2022, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Douglas Jr.

…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...

Douglas Jr, or anybody,

Is it known what holster was used by the Brazilian Expeditionary Force in Italy?

Kevin