Greetings all,

I have a Smith 1917 .45 ACP in the #126,XXX serial range.

The revolver is in excellent shape.

Inside the grips, on the left panel in pencil is written "Capt. Sears Co. F 166th Inf."

On the right grip panel is "Sears Sears"

I found this info on the web:

http://owensarchive.com/world-war-i/american-snipers-of...antry/prod_4236.html

http://static.wikipedia.org/new/wikipedia/en/articles/1...02274.JPEG_7fcc.html

http://www.trumanlibrary.org/photographs/view.php?id=14762&rr=

Anyone have any other resources to learn more about Captain Sears or the 166th Infantry? Would a letter from Smith and Wesson shed any info, or just tell me the gun was sent to the US Government in WWI?

Thanks,

Mark

From what I could fing via google. The 166th Inf was part of the 42 ID (rainbow division) now the New York National Guard. The 166th is now a training unit of the Pa National Guard. The 166th Inf Reg seems to have come from the SW part of Ohio. I would google the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus and see if they could put you on the right track. Most WW1 Guard units retained their officers and men for the duration as opposed to WW2 were they broke up units (good old boy's). Good luck in your search and keep us informed

quote:

Would a letter from Smith and Wesson shed any info, or just tell me the gun was sent to the US Government in WWI?

It would confirm shipping to the the Gov't.

Company F, 166th Fa was based out of Circleville, Ohio prior to WW1. I just called the Unit Historian and he said there was no Cpt Sears listed prior to WW1. Said he will check the Unit Rosters tomorrow and see if Sears was promoted from the ranks during the war or served in the between the war era. He'll call back in a day or two and I will pass on the info. The 166th goes back to the Civil War by the way.

Forgot to add once you have full name and dates of service you should be able to request a copy of Cpt Sears military records under the Freedom of Information act. It will take a little time but in my opinion worth while.

The Historian must have got busy because he never got back to me. Here is his phone number if you want to try:

Ohio National Guard Historian (614) 336-7311

Thanks all for the responses!

Walnutred, I have a call into the historian!

I will report what I learn!

Mark