The Detroit Police Department was not unique in issuing nickeled revolvers, many Midwest and Southern States with humid climates issued nickel guns as they held up better under those conditions. Florida HP comes to mind and you see some coming out of your south west departments.
Here's a presentation model 39 that was awarded to the City of Detroit Police Commisioner " Johannes Spreen" when he retired in 1970.
He then went on to become Sheriff of Oakland County Michigan. Last month I saw a newspaper clip, that showed him celebrating his 90th birthday.
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