I have a First Model Baby Russian, lettered. And after some research, it was a Baltimore Police model mentioned in my Smith book. While reading I realized my serial number fell into the range for them, the delivery time, and distributor it was delivered to. So I looked at my gun again, and where they were engraved on the backstrap, it has been very crudely ground off with the exception of the tops of a few letters. I started looking online and have came across 2 more ground in the same manner. My question is, would this have possibly been done before they were sold to the public after their service? What are some of your views on such a thing?

This is hearsay: I have been told that people in the past believed that it was illegal to own a police or military marked revolver as it was probably stolen. Examples of the military side are seen on Schofields with the U.S. ground off the butt. Again. hearsay.

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Mike Maher #283

Sounds feasible to me, because that was the first thought when I figured out what it was , was that someone thought that and ground it off.

It saddens me though, I bet value crashed through the floor! But it is still one, and the history of this one makes me happy.

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How about some pics! I'd like to see that one, grinding and all. It's still a fine old S&W.
John

I just finally had time last night to get it cleaned up a little, planning on taking some good pictures tonight if I can get time. I will be sure to post them when I do!

As promised, here are some pictures.

I have a 4 in nickel Baby Russian # 6647 with the back strap ground off in similar fashion.

I assumed it was also a Baltimore city police gun, but the letter came back MW Robinson shipped Oct 6, 1876.

DesmoEd,
I have read there are at least one or two documented as to being shipped there. I bet yours is one.

DesmoEd,

FYI, Even though yours is "Lettered" being shipped to M.W. Robinson...Rather than Tremble & Kleibacher...I believe there's still a "Very" high probability it's also a Baltimore City Police Revolver as well!! Not saying for certain...But Highly Probable!!

To explain...There is at least one other example known to exist shipped to M.W.Robinson just a few days prior to the Tremble & Kleibacher Shipment on July 30th...With the "Balto.City Police" Backstrap Engraving still intact!!

This leads me to believe these Revolvers were most likely acquired from various sources at the time (Ordered through S&W or In Stock from a Distributor) having a Nickel Finish & 4" Barrel which all known examples exhibit...Although admittedly most examples with "Intact Or Defaced" Backstrap Engraving do seem to have been ordered through S&W by Tremble & Kleibacher...Just My Opinion!!

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Masterpiece

Would anyone have a clue as to the value of it in the condition shown?

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Started the process of an appraisal from James D Julia. Will update when I get some info on it!

that's great info, I figured for sure mine was a Baltimore PD gun as its just too nice otherwise to justify the grinding on the backstrap.

Very nice DesmoEd!

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The appraisal came back confirming mine is without a doubt a Baltimore Police Model. But still no confirmation if these were ground before being sold to the public.

A logical starting point would be to inspect as many guns as possible, either with an on-hands inspection or good close-up photos. If similarities are seen in the removal of the markings from one gun to the next, it would be reasonable to believe that they were done by the same entity. Keep in mind the guns may have been sold in lots to a dealer, who then sold them at retail, and the dealer is the one who removed the markings.

John Gross

I am going to attempt exactly as you suggest John. That is a great idea, and a big task, but I am up for it.

I just discovered this thread and I am very interested because I own a 4 inches baby Russian which also had the backstrap ground off in the same manner and where the top of some letters still appear.

However, the serial number of mine, which is 4478, doesn't fall exactly in the serial range indicated by The Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson which is 4600-6949. But I still believe my gun could well be a Baltimore Police gun.

Attached Images

	S&W 38 SA Baby Russian 4p droit.jpg (247.3 KB, 28 views)
	S&W 38 SA Baby Russian 4p gauche.jpg (256.8 KB, 28 views)
	P7020001.jpg (27.1 KB, 51 views)