As I was going through some old records tonight, I came across a revolver I bought...and immediately sold...because of serendipity.

Several years ago, I placed an inexpensive bid on a 4" M&P model from the mid-teens based on some pretty crummy photos. It had what appeared to be a factory lanyard ring on it. It was listed as in "poor" condition, and I got it for about $250 after commissions and shipping.

When I received it, it turned out to be in nice condition with beautiful original stocks, some muzzle wear and a turn ring. Indeed it had a factory lanyard ring with an offset serial number. Additionally, it was stamped on the back of the frame "No 19" and "Conservation Commission - State of New York". I confirmed that it was part of a special order to S&W. Dated 1915.

So, I am pleased with what I got, and have an interesting new revolver to play with.

Less than 3 weeks later, I am over on the Colt forum (at the time I also collected 1903 Colts), and see there is a post from a guy asking if anyone has seen or heard of a Smith & Wesson M&P that is stamped with the Conservation Commission of New York on it. The guy is a New Yorker (retired LEO), and has been putting together a collection of New York issued firearms for years, and this is the last item he is looking for. So I sold it to him. I sometimes miss having it, but it just seemed like it was fated to go to him...me to see a post for an S&W on the Colt forum...for something I had just picked up. Anyway, here are a few pictures.

You made his day, with the simplest act of kindness.

The comrodery with other collectors is one of my favorite parts of gun collecting.


Yeah can't spell it correctly...comrodery?

I believe that comradery or comraderie' are both acceptable spellings

__________________
Send lawyers, guns & money...

I think the alternative (and preferred spelling) to comradery is camaraderie.

We don’t really want Comrades around here, do we?

Great story!

I’ve been the recipient and the provider of such things (more of the former than the latter I’m ashamed to admit!) People in the gun community tend to be very helpful to one another in varied and unexpected ways. The only way this continues is to “pay it forward” a practice I’m resolving to engage in more.

Froggie

Good for you! Your story and selfless actions are heartwarming and encouraging in what seems like a world gone nuts.
As I see it...there are two winners...You and the Recipient.
Thanks for sharing.
Ray

Really nice of you to let that gun go to a new home. You are a class act and proof most gun guys/gals are good people.

Beau Geste!

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Long before the Russian Red Revolution, soldiers, on both sides of the War of Yankee Aggression, referred to each other as "comrades." Common words change meanings over time, much to our sorrow.

Back in the mid '70s, I had a college professor who made a statement one day, "Back in my day, it was not uncommon to be referred to as a 'gay blade.' However, these days, I would not wish to have that phrase used to describe me."

Ditto on that verse in the old Christmas carol "Deck the Halls", where the singer is describing his or hers party clothes.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

The political habit of socialists to address fellow party members as “comrades” goes back to the German social democrats in the 1870s. However, there are two completely different German words for the political comrade (Genosse) and the military comrade-in-arms (Kamerad). It seems unknown who (I suspect in Britain) decided to be lazy and use the English “comrade” also to translate the new politically used term. The Russians did the same with Tovarishch, which also has both meanings.