I have a Baby Russian that was used by the Baltimore PD. Unfortunately most of the backstrap engraving has been filed away, possibly when it was removed from PD service. Volume 11 of the S&W Journals list 9 known by serial numbers from 4600 to 6949. Mine falls within that range. Later research may include more that are known. This piece is 4" nickel with all matching numbers including the right grip. Good condition except the grips are well worn from holster use. Stamped on the toe of the grip frame left side is J.T. BLACKSTEN. One could logically conclude that this may be an officers name. Would anyone with any suggestions as to how I may reunite this piece of history with the Blacksten descendants or a PD historian please e-mail me for additional info. thanks

Have you ever found out about J.T Blacksten? I recently purchased a Winchester 1886 with the same name under the butt plate.

It's possible that Blacksten was the officer that carried it, but it could also have been added by a subsequent owner, or it could even be some sort of dealer marking. Really hard to say.

I see a number of Blackstens in the 1880 census (and more than that if we expand to other similar spellings like Blackston, Blackstone, etc.), but at first glance I don't see anyone that jumps out at me. But this would almost certainly deserve some more careful research.

Are any of the other known Baltimore Baby Russians similarly marked? If not, I tend to believe that this marking was added after-the-fact.

Any chance you can post some photos of the gun?

Mike

This Thread is 3 years old guys.

I doubt that you will get an answer from the OP?

I've been researching the Balto City Police 38 Baby Russians for several years now. I did document this gun.

Serial number 5228... The Individuals name is actually (Stamped in small block letters on grip frame) also I documented it as being scratched on the grips as well.

My lengthy research of the BCP suggests that most of the guns were not actually issued to individual police officers of the BCP. Most of them remained in the Armory until deemed needed. There were also many reserve officers that did not "keep" their guns. They were issued a gun when needed on duty. This is one of the few cities that did not number their guns on the backstrap as either a badge number or a contract ordered number.

Also, many of the guns were destroyed, de-milled or sold to a Distributor and poorly re-nickeled for sale to the general public after many years of service. Most of the documented surviving examples fall under the re-nickeled/Distributor sold examples.

I also believe that they were in service for such a lengthy timeline (1876-1917) due to the fact that this model could be "SPEED LOADED" with early speed loaders developed in the early 1880's. That simple fact made them a very viable gun for many years. Eventually they were replaced initially by the Smith & Wesson D.A Perfected model 38.

That was the last recorded Smith & Wesson. After that the department basically went to 38 Colt D/A swingouts for many many years.

Murph

James T. Blacksten was an old-time gun collector (1950's-1960's, etc..) who stamped or wrote his name on most of the various items in his collection. Several S&W's pictured in Neal & Jinks are attributed as being from his collection at the time of the book's publication in 1965.

DLC

I am bringing this back as I have recently acquired a Baby Russian that may be a Baltimore PD specimen with the markings removed.
(see attached photo) SN is close to the documented Balto City Police example in my collection.

Comments please.

Books

Attached Images

another Balto.jpg (32.3 KB, 98 views)

Books,
You have to post a better photo of the grind marks, also the complete serial number. It must have a 4” barrel and the grips should be well worn from field use for many years. More photo’s please.

Murph

It is a 4 inch and nickel plated. I don't believe the grips are original. They are walnut like the ones on blued Baby Russians. (That is what caught my attention. A nickel-plated Baby Russian with walnut grips.) The SN is 6831.

I'll try to get better pictures posted tomorrow.

Books

Rigor Mortis is not a very active member, his last thread was 12-01-2022.

__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

There appears to be very faint file marks on the back strap. They do not show up well in the photos. It's like the pistol was well used after the filing and the marks have been worn smooth. I'll have to letter it to be sure.

Attached Images

	Balto 2b.jpg (50.9 KB, 33 views)
	Balto 2a.jpg (71.4 KB, 34 views)

Books,
A lot of the Baltimore PD Baby Russians were sold to an unconfirmed Distributor after the markings were removed. Likely sold in bulk. After which they were quickly re-nickeled and resold to the general public. Several surviving examples exhibit this type of quickly done refinish.
Some I believe had the grind marks completely buffed off and some didn’t. They were re- nickeled over the grind marks. I have documented two examples.
Yours fits the profile but as you stated a letter is a must. Please do post the results on the forum.
The grips are very interesting. Are they numbered?
Murph

The grips are numbered, but do not match the gun.

Books

That actually fits the BPD profile. Original grips are found heavily worn from field use and are often replaced.
Original worn grips are sometimes found on re-nickeled guns with finish inside the grind marks. This condition supports the “Quick” refinish for resale even leaving the original worn grips sold with the re-finished BPD gun! It’s a great thing though because the consistency helps prove authenticity.

Your example should come back as shipped to T&K in Baltimore. Please remember to be specific with your letter request;
Mention specifically it’s a 1st model 38! Not a second model!
Suspect Baltimore Police issue Baby Russian
Please include number of guns in shipment and when they were shipped.

I believe that these are often confused with early second model SA 38’s when researched and come back as shipped to M. Robinson. The second models overlap the Baby Russians so the low serial number must be specific to the Baby Russian!!


Murph