I finally pinned down a Detective friend of mine to buy a couple of old guns. Here; in New Mexico's largest Metropolis, the Detective business offers plenty of job security- and before he got called out on another impromptu homicide case, I managed to close the deal on a Circa 1911 Colt Model 1908 Hammerless in .380, and a mid 70's S&W .357.
The Smith happens to be 95% 3 1/2" Nickle plated Model 27-2.... But it was owned by more than one LEO in it's past. We theorize that, being a Mid 70's revover, it was most likely shelved early in it's career, as that was about the time mant Police Dpts. switched to Semi-Autos. But it is plainly marked.
I'm sorry I don't have Photo Posting Capability- but under the cylinder, on the left side of the frame; in 1/8" thin block letters- It is hand-stamped "APD 515". The gun was purchased in a Roswell Pawn Shop- and my friend believes that it not an Albuquerque gun- but may very well have belonged to some Texas Police Department.
It's a great pistol, regardless of origin- but it would mean a lot if any of you experts could help me nail down the City of it's Service. A little 'Detective Work': if you will.- Thank you.

I finally pinned down a Detective friend of mine to buy a couple of old guns. Here; in New Mexico's largest Metropolis, the Detective business offers plenty of job security- and before he got called out on another impromptu homicide case, I managed to close the deal on a Circa 1911 Colt Model 1908 Hammerless in .380, and a mid 70's S&W .357.
The Smith happens to be 95% 3 1/2" Nickle plated Model 27-2.... But it was owned by more than one LEO in it's past. We theorize that, being a Mid 70's revover, it was most likely shelved early in it's career, as that was about the time mant Police Dpts. switched to Semi-Autos. But it is plainly marked.
I'm sorry I don't have Photo Posting Capability- but under the cylinder, on the left side of the frame; in 1/8" thin block letters- It is hand-stamped "APD 515". The gun was purchased in a Roswell Pawn Shop- and my friend believes that it not an Albuquerque gun- but may very well have belonged to some Texas Police Department.
It's a great pistol, regardless of origin- but it would mean a lot if any of you experts could help me nail down the City of it's Service. A little 'Detective Work': if you will.- Thank you.

Looking at the map the most likely Texas city is Amarillo, roughly 287 miles away. My guess. John

I know that the Austin TX PD issued nickel 27s with 3 1/2 inch barrels. The ones that I have seen are marked "Austin P.D." and then a number, I don't know if they marked any "APD". There is one on gunbroker right now, the guy has been trying to sell it quite a while...

__________________
John
S&WCA Life Member

I have a M27 3.5" nickel and a 38/44 nickel LEO revolver.
Both are marked Austin P.D.
FYI