Help ID this Model 1917/1937

[Hawg Rider]

My good friend recently inherited his father's handgun collection, and I volunteered to assist him with doing some research on identification and values. Unfortunately, this particular S&W revolver is somewhat out of my wheelhouse and I could use some help from knowledgeable Forum members. I do own a late WWI .45 HE U.S. Army Model 1917 (s/n 132922), so I'm somewhat familiar with the basic model. This particular revolver does not have any military markings, but it does have the shield and 1937 stamp on the right sideplate which leads me to believe it's a .45 HE Brazilian Model of 1937. The s/n (188565) and rough condition seems to confirm that, and it's obviously seen some harsh use with the Brazilian forces (as mentioned in the "SCSW 5th Ed."). It has what I believe are the correct original checkered walnut stocks with silver medallions, and the lanyard hole has been plugged. I just cannot tell which version of the Model of 1937 this is...Prewar or postwar WWII (although I'm leaning towards prewar). In it's present rough condition and with worn original stocks, I would think that it may be worth $500.

Also, my buddy has no intentions of restoring or keeping this 1917 so I told him that I would "clean it up a little" for him before he tries to sell it. Perhaps remove the stocks and soak in acetone/ATF, then remove the sideplate to clean and lubricate. Then gentle Flitz polish followed by Ren Wax. Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any advice and suggestions.

 

[handejector]

Round Top Frame= Post War
Flat Top Frame = Pre War

 

[Model19man]

Well I think you are spot on on the ID. It's pre war and a Model 1917 / 1937. It's in better shape than mine was although yours has a plugged lanyard hole. I would do the cleaning as you suggest and then maybe look for a lanyard and pin on eBay.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I had a 1937 and I removed the lanyard ring to put the Pachmyr grips on like the ones the OP has.

 

[Hondo44]

MODEL 1917 ARMY BRAZILIAN CONTRACTS (1937 & 1946)

In 1937 S&W made some 25,000 of the Model 1917 Army commercial models with barrels stamped "S.&W. D.A. 45" left side and SMITH & WESSON right side, under contract for Brazil, most in serial range 181983-207043 with exceptions as usual that have serial #s far out of this range, using the post WW I 1930’s produced flat top frame with sq notch rear sight (as did all N frames since the 1926/1927 time frame with no model name changes to differentiate), and are stamped “MADE IN U.S.A.” on right frame side with the small S&W trademark logo on left side of frame. They also have a Brazilian Crest on the side plate dated 1937. These frames will not have military inspector stamps. This first Brazilian 1917 ARMY contract revolvers had 1930s commercial checkered Svc grips with flat chrome plated medallions. These will have the side plate hammer blocks and mushroom ext rod knobs.

Many will have cyl hold open detent plungers in the yoke hinge.

NOTE: Use caution if you remove the yoke not to lose the spring and plunger in the bottom of the yoke hinge.

The Brazilian Expeditionary Force deployed to Italy without owning any ordnance, trained with obsolete French weaponry, and were initially equipped with ‘03 Springfields and later M1’s. It’s reported that the officers and MPs used the 1937s.

 

[Model19man]

I had a 1937 and I removed the lanyard ring to put the Pachmyr grips on like the ones the OP has.

The one I had had the original grips which were all wood with no medallion. If the OP wants to improve the revolver more the grips are postwar but still pretty desirable. The original grips being plain wood would be less so - maybe there are a set available that would result in a profit?

 

[Hondo44]

The one I had had the original grips which were all wood with no medallion. If the OP wants to improve the revolver more the grips are postwar but still pretty desirable. The original grips being plain wood would be less so - maybe there are a set available that would result in a profit?

Please refer to post #5. They are pre war grips identified with the sharp cornered checkering borders and flush mounted chrome plated medallions. And very likely original to the gun; confirmable by checking the serial # stamped on the inside of the right side grip.

 

[Muley Gil]

The one I had had the original grips which were all wood with no medallion. If the OP wants to improve the revolver more the grips are postwar but still pretty desirable. The original grips being plain wood would be less so - maybe there are a set available that would result in a profit?

As noted above, the Brazilians from the 1937 contract came with the stocks shown, pre-WW II service models with silver medallions. The majority of the ones from the 1946 contract used smooth stocks.

 

[StrawHat]

The image you posted of the serial number shows the barrel pointing to the right. This, to me, indicates it is a prewar Commercial Model 1917 used to fulfill the first Brazilian contract. It should also have a square notch for the rear sight and the checkered stocks common to the commercial models. It is not a Model 1937, it IS a Model 1917 which is what the Brazilian Army asked for.

If it is in good condition, I would counsel you to tread very lightly in your cleaning efforts. As a collector, I would much rather see honest wear, not someone’s attempt at improving it to realize more money.

Kevin

 

[alwslate]

I have a Brazilian from the first contract with the 30s commercial features of flat top frame and checkered grips. To say what the Brazilians asked for and got were model 1917s could be disputed. Seems like they wanted .45 ACP revolvers. The 1946 production run were 1917 revolvers.

 

[Hawg Rider]

The image you posted of the serial number shows the barrel pointing to the right. This, to me, indicates it is a prewar Commercial Model 1917 used to fulfill the first Brazilian contract. It should also have a square notch for the rear sight and the checkered stocks common to the commercial models. It is not a Model 1937, it IS a Model 1917 which is what the Brazilian Army asked for.

If it is in good condition, I would counsel you to tread very lightly in your cleaning efforts. As a collector, I would much rather see honest wear, not someone’s attempt at improving it to realize more money.

Kevin

I completely understand about the cleaning. I'll probably use a little Kroil to make sure I can disassemble the revolver and clean the internals, and some CLP and oil on the finish to remove any light surface rust.

 

[StrawHat]

I have a Brazilian from the first contract with the 30s commercial features of flat top frame and checkered grips. To say what the Brazilians asked for and got were model 1917s could be disputed. Seems like they wanted .45 ACP revolvers. The 1946 production run were 1917 revolvers.

Yes, the second contract was,indeed, made from leftover parts of the Army 1917 contract. The first contract was made with revolvers made on the same machinery as the Army Contract. How were they not Model 1917s?

Kevin