This would be the place that could find it if it exists.

A good friend of mine is retiring in May from my department. The other day, I showed him my new model 19, bought from a forum member. The model 19 is what was issued to him when he started this job almost 30 years ago.

Here is my request. I don't know if the grips were changed out when they were traded back, or if the guns were all melted down instead of re-sold, or what. If anyone happens to come across a model 19 that has an oval or badge shape cut out on the bottom of the grips, would you please let me know, so I can pass the info on to him? He told me that they used to get a badge pin from our police protective association, cut the post off, cut a recess in the bottom of the grips, and glue the badge onto the grips so it would be seen from behind in the holster.

I don't know if this was a common practice, or if my department was one of the only ones who had guys do that, but it'd mean a lot to him, and me, if we could find a gun like that. It'd mean it was a police trade in. He told me he loved his gun, and offered to pay 50 bucks more than what they would get for it from S&W (back in the late 80's), but they couldn't/wouldn't.

Thanks in advance.

Tony

In the 70's and early 80's it was common practice with Indy PD and Marion Cty Sheriff and other local dept's in Central Indiana. Usually they used hat badges soldered to a stainless or nickeled plate that attached to the bottom of the grips.

They weren't all for show either. Many a perp got a badge imprint on their heads and faces.

Someone on here was attaching the mini badges directly to the side plates. Some one with a better memory may remember who. It really looked good.

__________________
James L. "Jim" Rhiner

In the late 70's, several precincts of the Columbus, Ohio PD had tie-tacs unique to that precinct. The were usually different colored pigs in the north end of town. I saw a few BUG's with the same pigs set in the checkering. Ivan

Man, I bet that hat badge did leave a mark Our hat badge wouldn't fit on the grips.

A hat badge is huge. Anyone have an image to give us a better idea?

Here's one, but not like the 686 i was talking about earlier. I can't find it.

Attached Images

Officers_ACP_9_.JPG (47.4 KB, 24 views)

__________________
James L. "Jim" Rhiner