Synopsis:

Scarce S&W 1917 Revolver, 2nd Brazilian Contract, dated 1937, 1 of 12,000 Revolvers sold in 1946, found in two serial ranges 166000-175150 and 207196-209878. An interesting contract as most revolvers were assembled from surplus U.S. Military parts from WWI.

Description:

Standard S&W Model 1917 Revolver, cal. .45 ACP, modified for sale to Brazil as the “Modelo 1937”. This example is from the second contract of revolvers, principally different from the first in having smooth walnut grips. These revolvers had a 5.5” barrel with a half moon front sight, grooved rear sight and 5 screw frame that had the S&W logo on the left side and “MADE IN USA” on the right side. A large Brazilian crest with 5 pointed star surmounting the 1937 was applied to the sideplate. Thin, color case hardened, hammer and trigger. Smooth walnut grips. Rotatable lanyard ring adjacent to the full serial number that was repeated under the barrel and on the back of the cylinder. Inner frame and crane with matching assembly numbers “37501”.

Condition:

G/VG with approximately 80% original blue, the balance with sharp edge wear, scattered handling marks, and drifting patina particularly under the trigger guard and involving the front and back straps. Oil darkened grips with numerous handling marks. Bright bore with sharp rifling. 4/6 cylinders lock into place when cocking against mild resistance, the other two lock into place with a “normal” cocking movement. An interesting large frame S&W with a prominent foreign Military crest made from surplus WWI Military parts!