Here is my Arkansas State Police 38/44 Heavy Duty 4". The serial number is S 155119 which puts it around 1955-56 I believe. The grips aren't numbered to the gun, but they are only off numerically by less than one thousand. The finish isn't in "ANIB" condition, but dare I say that it probably earned it honestly. It is mechanically sound, locks up tight, and has a smooth trigger. I like it

Does anyone know what the badge, and patch look like that were being used at the same time as the HD?

I don't know the answers to your questions but let me say that's a cool old gun. If some of these old guns could talk.

As an Arkansas resident let me say that I am jealous and would love to have that one.

Tony... "lawandorder"... collects Arkansas LE handguns and may be able to share some info with you.

The Arkansas State Police began a long history with the HDs in 1937 when they changed from the Arkansas State Rangers to the Arkansas State Police and transitioned from Colt 1911A1s in .38 Super to S&W 38-44 Heavy Duty s. The first order was for 50 5 inch guns with lanyard rings and roll marked on the back strap as yours is.

Post WWII guns were 4 inch without the lanyard. These guns were in service until around 1968 when the department transitioned again and chose the S&W model 28 Highway Patrolman.

Most of the HDs that were serviceable went to another State Agency, the Arkansas Highway Police, for another round of service before being surplussed.

Most of the post war guns I have seen went thru the dunk tank to be reblued several times. Mine is a favorite shooter.

I will get an image of the badge and patch up or a link to it soon.

The book that my HDs is resting on is a new history of the Agency and is well done should you like to have one to go with your revolver.



Here is a link to a museum's on line collection from a recent major exhibit dedicated to crime and law enforcement history in Arkansas. There are numerous ASP artifacts pictured. The building this museum is in served as the first HDQS of the State Rangers in 1935.

http://www.collections.oldstatehouse...3-dff532a6439b

And another link to the history section on the ASP website...........

http://www.asp.state.ar.us/asp/asp_story.html

Thanks L&O for all that wonderful information!! I really like to try and find out as much info as possible on any "marked" S&W's that I come into. Thanks for the great start!

Do you know when this gun would have been used by the ASP? I believe the gun should date to about to 1955-56 or so.

Do you know if any of these look period correct for the gun?

Lobo,
You should ask for a ship date from Roy. The others in the database seem to have shipped in 1961.
Bill

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Will do.

Is this one in the HD database?

little change in the insignia of this agency since its inception in 1935.

The badge that would be period correct would be very similar but with out the colored state seal & blue enamel ring.

The shoulder patch shown at the bottom that is circular would be the style worn during the time your HD was in service.

Love them old hd police revolvers. This one was carried by the lombard IL Police dep.I regret selling a Houston P.D. pre-war wolf and klar model,and also a pre-war hd that was sent to the chief of police in Moorhead.DSC_0003.jpg

Thanks!

I believe I have found a correct "mini-badge" replica, as well as the correct patch.

Roy said it shipped in July 1957. Is this one in the database?

It is now.

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Thanks!!

Since Roy said that it shipped in July of 1957, do you have any ideas on why it shipped 4 years earlier than the others you mentioned that shipped in 1961?

Another order later on? it would be nice to know.

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I'm going to get a factory letter on the gun. Hopefully it will bear some fruit.

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The stamp of a police gun increases cool factor for me.