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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 07-22-2009, 07:53 AM
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Lightbulb Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History

Hello
A Few Years ago, I was at a Local Gun show and came across the Pre-War Regulation Police revolver shown. It was offered by a vendor at $425.00 and although I was Intrigued with it's engraving on the side Plate, I felt $425.00 was a Little steep for this revolver so I Passed on it. A Buddy of mine happened to have Tables right next to the guy that owned this, and after I left the show they spoke about this revolver and my Buddy Looked at it closer. He explained to the seller that the .32 S&W Long was one of my Favorite calibers and this is when the seller asked him, if I purchased it, did he think I would fire it ? My buddy assured him that is it was safe to shoot I sure would shoot it and take great care of it.


The following day I returned to the show near closing and was visiting my Buddy when the owner of this handed it to me in a Box he had for it, and said "You really need to take this Home with you" I opened the box and saw the revolver and told him I would like it, but it was a little more than I cared to pay for it. He then asked me if $200.00 was too Much ? Not another word was spoken as I reached for my wallet. He explained to me that he had the gun for well over 35 years in storage and it did his heart good to know someone would take such and Interest in it to actually shoot it, so that is why he dropped his price as he had no one else Interested in it during the show and he Just wanted to see it get a good Home.



Once I arrived home, I Goggled The Evansville, Indiana Police Department and once I found their Web Page sent an E-mail asking what they could tell me about their past Police Chief harry Anderson. I was Both shocked and Glad when I received their response. Below is a copy & paste version of the E-mail afforded to me by Desk Sergeant Rick Hubbard. He also asked for my address so he could send along an Official Evansville, Indiana Police Uniform patch and a Tie Tack to Put with Harry's Gun. This by Far, has the Most history trail of any S&W revolver I have ever Purchased and it was the Biggest bang for my Buck being Just $200.00 to Purchase. I have Fired the gun with Light hand Loads and it is scary accurate. I have since retired it into a wall Hung display case and it will be in an upcoming S&WCA Journal as it was on display at the annual meeting this year in Troy, Michigan, where some of the members here may have seen it. If Guns Could Only Talk !! Hammerdown







Here is the historical information on Harry Anderson with the Evansville Police Department. He served as Chief from 1926 to 1928.

If I can be of any other assistance, please let me know.

Sgt.Richard Hubbard

In March 1926, Nolte was hospitalized with a nervous breakdown and voluntarily took a demotion to detective, stepping down as chief in favor of Harry Anderson on March 29, 1926. Nolte continued as a member of the department until his retirement in 1931. Nolte died in 1933. Nolte's 3-month term as chief was the shortest in the history of the police department.

Harry Anderson


Harry Anderson, the 23rd chief of police, was born in Warrick County. He became active in the Republican Party. He joined the department on November 24, 1916. Prior to joining the department, Anderson worked as a bartender. He was promoted to motorcycleman on January 7, 1918. Anderson was a member of the Evansville Police Relief Association committee that published the book "A Souvenir History of the Evansville Police Department" in 1918.


In 1919, Anderson resigned and became a car salesman. In January 1921, County Clerk Frank Grange appointed Anderson a deputy in the county clerk's office. When the Republicans took control of city hall in January 1926 Mayor Herbert Males appointed William Nolte as his choice to replace Democrat-appointed Ira Wiltshire in the chief's position. After 3 months in the chief's office, Nolte suffered a nervous breakdown and took a voluntary demotion to detective. Anderson returned to the police department after an absence of 7 years as Mayor Males's choice to replace Nolte in the chief's position.


Anderson remained Chief of Police for 33 months. The City Council launched impeachment proceedings against Chief Anderson, License Inspector Benjamin Bartlett, and members of the Board of Public Safety in September 1928. In the 1928 county elections, he was elected county clerk. In late December 1928, Anderson submitted his resignation as chief. The text of Chief Anderson's letter of resignation read as follows:


"Honorable Herbert Males and Board of Safety. Having been elected Clerk of the Vanderburgh Circuit Court the past election and as this term of office begins January first, I hereby tender my resignation as superintendent of the police department to take effect January 1, 1929."


Chief of Detectives Edward Sutheimer was appointed to fill the chief's position for the remaining year of Mayor Males' administration

When Anderson resigned, he had served a total of 6 years as a member of the police department. The department's 8-year experiment with a mounted patrol began in 1927 during Chief Anderson's administration. Anderson ran for county clerk again in the election of 1932. The Roosevelt-Democratic landslide of 1932 buried Anderson, like his fellow Republicans. After losing the election, he returned to the trade that he had practiced before joining the police department in 1916, working as a bartender. In 1935, Anderson became a milkman. Later in life, he bought a dairy farm in Warrick County. After failing to make that enterprise profitable, he sold it. Anderson then moved back to Evansville, living at 209 First Avenue. He was appointed a Vanderburgh County deputy sheriff. He served as a guard at the Evansville Waterworks during World War II. In 1945 he moved to 26 East Chandler. He died on December 12, 1946. His wife's name was Bertha and he had one brother whom lived in California.


I learned from this Harry Had a brother in California and I assume the Son of his Brother is who got a hold of his Police revolver and later sold it off to the guy I bought it from.I Dug a Little deeper by contacting The Evnasville, Indiana Public Library, and a woman there sent me the Pictures of Harry below and his Obituary that she tracked down in the old files they had. I have hit a brick wall as far as learning any more about Harry Anderson since then, but hope to hear more in the future from the woman in the Public Library who is still searching for information on him.Below is a Picture of Harry when he was first made Chief of The Evansville, Indiana Police force. He was also in charge of their Motorcycle brigade an experiment they were trying using Motorcycles to answer calls with, as before this, all calls were answered on Bicycles. We have to remember this was around 1926 so I assume the Motorcycles used were either Harley Davidson's or Indian's.The Police department is also shown in the Pictures below and you can see Horses were still used in that time frame. I can't believe just how much harry had done in such a short life span as at the age of 55 Poor Old Harry's Heart gave out and he Passed on

HARRY R. ANDERSON, clerk of the Vanderburg Circuit Court of Vanderburg County, has been firmly established in public confidence, and esteem at Evansville for a number of years, first, as a business man and then as a public official.

Mr. Anderson was born in Pike County, Indiana, October 9, 1892, son of John L. and Louise (Sprinkles) Anderson. His parents were born in Warrick, Indiana, and his father died in 1906 at Evansville and his mother in 1894. Harry R. Anderson spent his active life as a farmer. There were two children besides Harry R. Clarence, born in 1888, a farmer in Warrick County, married Ethel Lawrence, who was born in that county, daughter of Peter Lawrence, a farmer. Eugene Anderson, who died at the age of thirty-one, was acigar maker, and by his marriage to Olivio Cummings left three children, Charles; born in 1909, Mary, born in 1912, and Lena, born in 1911.

Harry R. Anderson attended the grade and high schools at Evansville, and graduated from business college in 1910. After a year of work as clerk in the sales department of the Hercules Buggy Company he went west on account of failing health, spent a year in recuperating,and on returning he was an employee of the Adams Express Company and filled several other positions, as bookkeeper, salesman, with Evansville business organizations. Mr. Anderson has some farming interests in Warrick County, growing cattle and hogs, and also has real estate in Evansville.

In 1914 he joined the Evansville police department as a patrolman and later was promoted to motorcycle officer. He resigned in 1918 to join the colors and was with Headquarters Company in the field artillery at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, until discharged in 1919. For two years after the war Mr. Anderson sold automobiles at Evansville. In 1921 he went to the courthouse as deputy county clerk and served in that position five years, an experience that gave him a thorough knowledge of the routine of the county clerk's office. In March, 1926, came his appointment as chief of police of Evansville, and he was the police chief of the city until January 1, 1929, when he entered upon his duties as clerk of the Vanderburg Circuit Court following his election in November, 1928.

He married, at Evansville, August 11, 1918, Miss Bertha Ambrose, daughter of Julius Ambrose, a grocery merchant. Mr. Anderson is a Republican in politics and a member of the B. P. O. Elks.













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Old 07-22-2009, 08:03 AM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Great story! Thanks for sharing it, as well as the photos!
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Old 07-22-2009, 10:08 AM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Great story, Hammerdown.
My father was born in 1916 and lived in Evansville in the 1920's before the family moved here to N.C. in the late 1920's.
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Old 07-22-2009, 11:12 AM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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You have done it again Hammerdown, there is no way that you are "just lucky" you seem to have the knack and nose for the interesting items. Appreciate your sharing the pictures and the great story, keep them coming.
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Old 07-22-2009, 12:55 PM
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For me, this is what gun collecting is all about, tracking down the history of guns such as yours. Very nice!
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Old 07-22-2009, 01:24 PM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Nice gun, and nice work in tracking down its former owner's history! We've all wondered what would happen if guns could talk and now this one has. Great find!
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Old 07-22-2009, 02:16 PM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Kurt, Nice story and research, but this is the 2nd or 3rd time I've seen it on this Forum, right? It always stops at the same place. I keep expecting something new and exciting about the gun each time I see this, but nothing. What are you keeping from us? What exciting things was this gun doing in the last 90 yrs? As we know, every gun has a story, and we are always advised to buy the gun, not the story. However, sometimes the story is much better than the gun, but the story needs to be completed to date, right? Good Luck, Ed.
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Old 07-22-2009, 03:36 PM
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hammer you done your home work on that one, nice smith with great story to go with it! mike
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Old 07-22-2009, 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by opoefc View Post
Kurt, Nice story and research, but this is the 2nd or 3rd time I've seen it on this Forum, right? It always stops at the same place. I keep expecting something new and exciting about the gun each time I see this, but nothing. What are you keeping from us? What exciting things was this gun doing in the last 90 yrs? As we know, every gun has a story, and we are always advised to buy the gun, not the story. However, sometimes the story is much better than the gun, but the story needs to be completed to date, right? Good Luck, Ed.

Hello Ed
Nope, It has never been on this forum.. I Was M.I.A. From this forum long Before I Purchased it, but it has been on other forum's as I suspect you may have seen it there. All Right, I will add a Picture of The Evansville, Indiana Police Department back in the time span this revolver would have been carried, along with Harry's Obit and another News paper article. If you Look close at the story and figure the time line Old Harry was Dead at 55 Years old in 1946 so there is a bit of time lost between then and when this Vendor Picked up his revolver, but the vendor did share with me that the revolver was Purchased in Indiana after he retired as an Indiana State Trooper, so perhaps Old Harry's Revolver was kept in an old Police Property Room for all those Years before this vendor got a hold of it I would Only be speculating on this, But I suppose I have hit a brick wall on finding out anything else. Regards, Hammerdown













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Old 07-22-2009, 08:41 PM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Very nice job! Thanks for shareing.
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Old 07-23-2009, 01:07 AM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Excellent thread.
Can't get enough seeing that old revolver. Wonderful information & history!
Thanks for sharing.
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Old 07-23-2009, 01:14 AM
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that is some very great history on a fine revolver I think you were meant to have that one, everything lined up way too well
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Old 07-23-2009, 05:38 AM
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Hello
Thanks for the kind words. As Ed say's there is still some Unanswered questions about this Gun that I suspect may never be answered. If you Look close at Harry's Motorcycle Picture he seem's to have Two different Badge Numbers in his Picture as one being 184 and the Other 188 ? I also have No Earthly idea who J. H. is that is engraved on his revolver side Plate but suspect they may have been Close Politicians ? The Grips shown on the gun as the ones it came with and they are made out of a Machined part that appears to be made really well, but I have no idea who made them? Still many unanswered questions here...






I Keep Digging for more information all the time and recently came across the Pictures below that show Period correct shots of Evansville, Indiana. Shown is the First Police Vehicle used by them which is a Paddy Wagon in the Late 1920's, along with an accident scene from the early 1930's and a Motorcycle and Patrol Car along with a Picture of the Motorcycle squad in the Early 1930's that proves Harry's Experiment with him being in charge of The Motorcycle Brigade was Not in vain as they went on to purchase more Motorcycles after he resigned as the Chief of Police. He also was an author of a Book Entitled "A Souvenir History of the Evansville Police Department" in 1918. I have tried to find this Book to no avail, but will keep searching..Hammerdown






















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Old 07-23-2009, 10:32 PM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Very cool to have so much of the story to go with the gun. I like it.

Not to jump your thread, but of all my guns I only have one with any real histry, a much newer Model 19. Bought it used and during my clean up found initials (CMPD followed by three letter, which I believed to be the officers inits) and what I believe to be a badge number. When my letter came in I knew it was likely Costa Mesa PD. An email to the PIO put me in touch with the Desk Sergeant, who recognized the three initials as a recently retired Captain, who I made phone contact with soon after.

Now if we could only get the story from all of our guns....ah dreaming.
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Old 07-23-2009, 11:18 PM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Hammerdown,

Thanks for another slice of American history surrounding that old S&W! Your efforts were well spent.

Best Regards,

Jerry
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Old 07-24-2009, 04:53 AM
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Very cool to have so much of the story to go with the gun. I like it.

Not to jump your thread, but of all my guns I only have one with any real histry, a much newer Model 19. Bought it used and during my clean up found initials (CMPD followed by three letter, which I believed to be the officers inits) and what I believe to be a badge number. When my letter came in I knew it was likely Costa Mesa PD. An email to the PIO put me in touch with the Desk Sergeant, who recognized the three initials as a recently retired Captain, who I made phone contact with soon after.

Now if we could only get the story from all of our guns....ah dreaming.




Hello Mike & Jerry
Finding out about a person that had a Gun sure is a neat way to add to the guns value and history. Mike, I wish Old Harry were still alive as I would drive to Evansville and get Pictures of him holding his old Revolver.I also know when most Police retire from the Job they are allowed to keep their Badge and it would be real cool to lay the mans Badge next to this revolver and Take Pictures of it.



I am Not certain what happenes to a Policemans Badge when they are Placed out of Office due to Political off set, but I asked Sergeant Hubbard if they kept old Badges and his reply was No, so who knows where they end up, But I sure would give a King's Ransom to have Harry's to Put beside his Old Revolver... Hammerdown
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Old 07-24-2009, 08:54 AM
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That is one nice revolver, and alot of good research. Keep up the good work.

Cast about in the badge collecting circles and you may fnd that Evansville badge you are looking for.

In the old days police departments rotated badges once a year (or so) to reflect seniority. This would explain why one photo shows Harry wearing 188 and another 184, the lower number is the later photo. It's not likely Harry kept his Patrolman shield, but you might be able to get his "Chief's" badge from a family member (or collector), as those were most often purchased personally by the Chief and not the department.

Thanks for posting this great story!
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Old 07-24-2009, 09:22 AM
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That is one nice revolver, and alot of good research. Keep up the good work.

Cast about in the badge collecting circles and you may fnd that Evansville badge you are looking for.

In the old days police departments rotated badges once a year (or so) to reflect seniority. This would explain why one photo shows Harry wearing 188 and another 184, the lower number is the later photo. It's not likely Harry kept his Patrolman shield, but you might be able to get his "Chief's" badge from a family member (or collector), as those were most often purchased personally by the Chief and not the department.

Thanks for posting this great story!



Hello 9303
Thank's for the Badge Number seniority Information I was not aware of that. I want to think obtaining Harry's Chief Badge would be like finding a needle in a Haystack, but you never know as he had no Kids or close family to obtain these items I feel it may have been discarded along the way..Hammerdown
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Old 07-24-2009, 11:51 PM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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"In the old days police departments rotated badges once a year (or so) to reflect seniority."

Not only in the "old days" either.

I started with badge number 43 in 1978 and was up to badge number 3 when I retired in 2001.
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Old 07-25-2009, 05:22 AM
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"In the old days police departments rotated badges once a year (or so) to reflect seniority."

Not only in the "old days" either.

I started with badge number 43 in 1978 and was up to badge number 3 when I retired in 2001.


Hello Muley Gil
Was this Practice of Rotating Badges common in Most Police Forces across the U.S.A. ? Being down to Number 3 Badge Number was about as close as one get's to being the Chief doesn't it ? Regards, Hammerdown
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Old 07-25-2009, 06:07 PM
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A great story to go along with a great gun. That was really cool of that guy to send all that info and stuff to you.
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Old 07-25-2009, 10:21 PM
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A great story to go along with a great gun. That was really cool of that guy to send all that info and stuff to you.

Hello BadKarma
It sure was, and it really Enhanced the value of this revolver to say the least. Regards, Hammerdown
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Old 07-26-2009, 01:03 AM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Thanks for sharing......excellent research on your pistol
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  #24  
Old 07-26-2009, 07:03 AM
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Thanks for sharing......excellent research on your pistol


Hello
You are very welcome. As I Promised the seller of it when I Bought it, I did shoot it a short time and located the correct Extended target style grips for it when doing so. It has since been retired with all the Pictures and mementos in a glass show case. Hammerdown










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Old 07-27-2009, 08:14 PM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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The practice of rotating badges is very common, in larger agencies though, it's easier to assign an Officer a ID Number, which he/she retains throughout his/her career.

In my agency rotating badges ceased in the early 1980's.

It should be noted that the Chief would not necessarily have Badge Number 1. Each rank could have its own sequence ie, Patrolman, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain etc.

Finding an Evansville Chief's Badge of the right time period might be a "needle/haystack" search - but not as futile as you might think. Keep an eye on the e-bay and any local flea markets/badge shows, you never know what might show up! Do a little research first to see if you can find a picture of the badge you are looking for, there are alot of questionable types vending badges so "buyer beware"!

Good Hunting!!!!
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  #26  
Old 07-28-2009, 03:07 AM
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Hello 9303
Thanks for the Insight. The Badge Hunt Continues. I have Often Wondered what ever happenes to all the Badges when Police retire, quit, get elected out of Office and such ? Regards, Hammerdown
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Old 07-28-2009, 09:20 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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"Being down to Number 3 Badge Number was about as close as one get's to being the Chief doesn't it ? "

Not really. As was stated elsewhere, I was the third senior Patrolman. Sgts, Lts, and Capts didn't have badge numbers. Senority only counted for vacation time and shift assignment (and sometimes that didn't matter either).

I can't say about what other departments do or did.

My .32 Regulation Police wears these grips:

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  #28  
Old 07-28-2009, 11:06 PM
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You might find out more info on Harry Anderson from Willard Library, at 21 1st Ave. in Evansville. Phone 812-425-4309. or try Willard Library
These are great people and have all the historical data for Evansville. Good luck! Mike
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  #29  
Old 07-28-2009, 11:32 PM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Great story to go along with a neat old gun, thanks for sharing. You might want to check with the Indiana Historical Society to learn more about the Chief. Since he was a public figure they may have additional information or photos.
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  #30  
Old 07-29-2009, 05:04 AM
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Hammerdown
You might find out more info on Harry Anderson from Willard Library, at 21 1st Ave. in Evansville. Phone 812-425-4309. or try Willard Library
These are great people and have all the historical data for Evansville. Good luck! Mike

Hello Mike
Thanks, I will follow Up on your leads. Regards, Hammerdown
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  #31  
Old 07-29-2009, 05:05 AM
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Great story to go along with a neat old gun, thanks for sharing. You might want to check with the Indiana Historical Society to learn more about the Chief. Since he was a public figure they may have additional information or photos.
Hello Black Sheep
Another Great suggestion. I will Look into this area as well. Thanks Guy's.. Hammerdown

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  #32  
Old 07-29-2009, 11:47 AM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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what a nice job with your research...kudo's to the sgt.as well....some years back i was fortunate enough to buy a 1941 model colt from my dept.i also picked up some badges and photo's that go back as far as the teens....now you have me thinking of a display of a 1940's badge to go with the colt!
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  #33  
Old 07-29-2009, 12:02 PM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Default Super story!

Most of us who appreciate old things often wish they could talk! Through your efforts, your old Smith did! Good job and thanks!
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  #34  
Old 07-30-2009, 07:09 AM
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Hello
A special Thank's to Forum member mykey51 for his suggestion to contact The Willard Library. I have done so, and am awaiting word on more Possible History about Harry Anderson or perhap's some more Photo's of him... Hammerdown
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  #35  
Old 07-30-2009, 10:16 PM
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Hammerdown
You are welcome. I hope the folks at Willard can help you. They have a few people there that delight in finding out, the hard to find stuff. I work nearby and used to go there quite a bit when I had small children at home( a long, long time ago). They are a large private library, with huge historical archives. Mike
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  #36  
Old 07-31-2009, 03:55 AM
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Hammerdown
You are welcome. I hope the folks at Willard can help you. They have a few people there that delight in finding out, the hard to find stuff. I work nearby and used to go there quite a bit when I had small children at home( a long, long time ago). They are a large private library, with huge historical archives. Mike

Hello Mike
Sadly, I got Kind of Blown Off by the Williard Library. here was the response I got from them. I Guess I will try the Evansville Historical Society from here. Thank's anyway's for your suggestion when doing research I find you have to travel down all path's. Regards, Hammerdown




Quote:
Mr. Vogler,

I regret that I couldn't find any information on Harry Anderson, other than the obituary which you already have. I checked newspaper and biography indexes, but didn't find anything; our staff is small, so we don't have time to search other than indexed sources. Our photo index also didn't list Anderson's name.

Since I'm totally unfamiliar with firearms, I have no idea what the initials "J & H" represent on the revolver. Perhaps it's an abbreviation for the company that manufactured it.



Patricia Sides, Archivist
Willard Library
21 First Avenue
Evansville, IN 47710
(812) 425-4309


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  #37  
Old 07-31-2009, 11:10 AM
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Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History Finding "Old Harry's Side Arm" a 1925 Regulation Pol. Revolver with a Ton of History  
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Me thinks "Patricia" doesn't like revolvers......
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  #38  
Old 08-03-2009, 04:00 PM
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Hello
Due to the effort's and collaboration between Forum member MyKey51 and myself, we have figured out the Mystery of just who J&H are on the side plate of Harry Anderson's revolver. By reading many Archives News paper articles in The Evansville area, we have narrowed down Harry's To Buddies as being George R. Jones The Past Vice President of Servel INC and Norman Hooe the Past Evansville, Indiana Police Chief, who harry Hired while he was the acting Chief. The Relationship with Jones started when Servel Corp. Purchased The Hercules Buggy Company of which Harry Anderson worked before becoming a Police Officer, when he met and made friends with George Jones. I want to Thank member MyKey51 for his extended efforts of going to the Williard Library and Looking through Many archives to find out this engraved mystery on my revolver. Without his help, I could not have revealed the Mystery engraving on my revolver. Here is Both Guy's that were Harry's friends and Presented him with my Revolver. Regards, Hammerdown










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