Unusual Model 10 Lettered

UFGator · #1 10-22-2020, 09:53 AM

I own a Model 10-5 that is virtually perfect with a butt swivel. I wondered if this revolver was intended for police use. The swivel and ring are off-set from the SN, not in the middle like a Victory. Letter arrived and the SN D140918 shipped on 6/30/1969 to Phillip Gall & Son, Lexington, KY. The revolver WAS shipped with the butt swivel.

As many of us know, Gall's was and is and major supplier of first-responder equipment. I'm hoping to find what department this revolver was intended for. It is as perfect as perfect can get and couldn't have been used.

Absalom · #2 10-22-2020, 11:24 AM

Too bad that the 1969 year misses the SWHF records bracket by a few. As a special order, the store would likely have made note of the recipient on the paperwork. But the last I read from Bill Cross, he can now search from 1920 to 1967. But if Gall is still in business, maybe they can help.

mckenney99 · #3 10-22-2020, 11:32 AM

Gall's is still in business but ownership has changed several times. I went to school in the area and visited their retail store in downtown Lexington many times in the late 70's.

Hondo44 · #4 10-22-2020, 12:28 PM

The revolver was in inventory w/o a swivel when the order came in so as we know was usually done to not delay the order and speed up delivery, a new gun was not built. The butt swivel was just added after the fact to fulfill the order.

In the earlier days at S&W the swivel would have been drilled in the proper location (not centered in the middle, but 1/10" forward of center just like the Victory and all normal installations).

The butt serial # then had to be re-stamped on the left side of the grip frame under the grip. Yours just got a 'shortcut' installation we don't often see.

UFGator · #5 10-22-2020, 01:31 PM

Hi Jim and thanks all for the replies. My "middle" was journalistic license.

) Thanks for setting me straight on how that actually worked. Yes, most thought this would be an after-market addition but I wanted to make sure. I am going to contact Gall's but I doubt if they will be very helpful. It would be a big lift but you never know until you ask. When I was active LE there was a Gall's catalog in every break-room, patrol car, etc. They were great at marketing. I never knew they sold firearms though.

Retired W4 · #6 10-22-2020, 04:49 PM

I HAD one that was a police order over run. As I remember it was to go to some departments motorcycle division. I wish I still had it.

Shark Bait · #7 10-22-2020, 04:52 PM

What? No pictures??

Hondo44 · #8 10-22-2020, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0132

Hi Jim and thanks all for the replies. My "middle" was journalistic license.

) Thanks for setting me straight on how that actually worked. Yes, most thought this would be an after-market addition but I wanted to make sure. I am going to contact Gall's but I doubt if they will be very helpful. It would be a big lift but you never know until you ask. When I was active LE there was a Gall's catalog in every break-room, patrol car, etc. They were great at marketing. I never knew they sold firearms though.

You're very welcome. And THANK YOU for your LE service!

tenntex32 · #9 10-22-2020, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0132

I am going to contact Gall's but I doubt if they will be very helpful. It would be a big lift but you never know until you ask. When I was active LE there was a Gall's catalog in every break-room, patrol car, etc. They were great at marketing. I never knew they sold firearms though.

Be sure to tell them that as you might get lucky and speak with someone appreciative of your time on the force and the possible purchases from them by your Dept!

tenntex32 · #10 10-22-2020, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shark Bait

What? No pictures??

I was going to say something too............but I thought I'd play nicely for a change.

Oh well, here goes...........Pics!

ron 57 · #11 10-22-2020, 09:31 PM

Gall’s also had a store in downtown Louisville for a time. I bought my model 36 there as an off duty gun.

UFGator · #12 10-22-2020, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenntex32

I was going to say something too............but I thought I'd play nicely for a change.

Oh well, here goes...........Pics!

My best attempt. New Windows 10 computer, Iphone camera, blah, blah. I seem to be only able to get on photo to load.

UFGator · #13 10-22-2020, 11:25 PM

Best I can do. Sorry guys, dinosaur in the left seat.

Retired LTC, USAR · #14 10-23-2020, 07:18 AM

[QUOTE=0132;140938934] I am going to contact Gall's but I doubt if they will be very helpful. It would be a big lift but you never know until you ask.]

Gall's has been out of the gun business for several years now. I'd say at least 30.

Store has changed hands several times in the last 30 years. Now only supply police/fire/ems equipment as well as sales to civilians.

Doubtful if any employees exist from the original store that was downtown and current location would not have any records from their past firearms sales.

UFGator · #15 10-23-2020, 10:13 AM

I think it would be pure luck to find out any details. An FFL only has to keep records for 20 years. If they have changed hands, moved around, it would be tough. The only extreme possibility is if someone decided to computerize their records which I can't imagine them doing if not required by law. There is always the "out of business" records center in WV where they send their books if they surrender FFL but I doubt ATF is going to do a trace for me.

))) I USED to be able to do things like that. But, I'll probably toss a call in and see what they say. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.