Military & Police (Model 0f 1905, Fourth Change) circa 1926. This came to me without stocks of any sort, but with clear evidence of having the later style magna stocks fitted at some point along the way. A friend was kind enough to let me pick through several pairs of "beaters" until I found these, which are appropriate for the overall condition of the gun. It may yet get gussied up with some old Fitz, Franzite, or similar faux (as in molded plastic) stag grips.

Like many older S&W's, despite the neglect from which it obviously suffered over the years, this revolver remains serviceable, and is actually still quite accurate.

Attached Images

APD207.jpg (87.4 KB, 110 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Steve: That's a very interesting old "cop" gun. If it could talk, there would be a bunch of fascinating stories told, I'm sure.

Leo

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

I love that old warrior. Congrats on a great find!

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Always bet on stupidity.

Bought a Third change round butt and gold medalions to boot checkering worn smooth though with about the same amount of blueing on it NONE, but is tight and very shootable and perfect in it's own way. Just the thought of what all it's seen over the years and the craftmanship of these older guns is amazing. They are keepers and the price was just right. Love Pawn Shops. Yours is a bute!

And perhaps some disturbing ones, too, or at least tales that would offend our 21st century sensibilities. Law enforcement back then operated under very different assumptions, standards, and protocols, especially in the deep south, even in a big city like Atlanta.

I'm posting a couple pictures of vintage holsters I've picked up with this revolver in mind, although the one relevant photograph I've found (see: Atlanta Police Dept. Night Watch 1924) unfortunately doesn't shed any light on how the A.P.D. during that period was in fact equipped in this regard. I would remark that the one thing that really strikes me about this image is on the whole how geriatric these uniformed patrolmen look to be.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

"Law enforcement back then operated under very different assumptions, standards, and protocols, especially in the deep south"

Yes it did. Being brought up in a smaller southern (but not Deep South) town back in the 1950s, the rule was "When in doubt, shoot." On the upside, most everyone knew that it was close to suicidal, and at best very painful, to attempt evasion of arrest by resisting or running away. I worked for awhile next to the local police station and it was not unusual to see certain arrestees getting "the Treatment" out back.

When I started policing in 2003, our police chief was a retired APD officer that had started in the 60s. He told my mandate class about his first night at work. They gave him a uniform, badge, gun, and call box key. The sergeant told him to arrest anyone he sees doing something they shouldn't, then to use the call box to contact the sergeant who would tell him what to charge... The Chief actually was on the street for several months before going to the police academy. How things change!

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Proud anachronism

I see all white officers. I' m curious when they started employing black officers.

Quite possible that the Officers was required to furnish their service revolvers within certain guidelines.
I started in 1962 and was required to furnish my own service revolver which had to be:
1. not less than 38 caliber
2. six shot
3. barrel no less than 4" or more than 6".
4. manufacture smith and wesson or colt
finish could be blue or nickel
holster, belt, and accessories black color-plain, basketweave, or carved with bright metal hardware.

See: Atlanta in the Civil Rights Movement under the "Protest and Negotiation for Black Police" heading.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

In my area middle 50s. However they could only work in the "Black Area"
and was not allowed to arrest "Whites".
Females Officers were allowed to work inside Headquarters Building only.

Guns with character: gotta love 'em. They have the world-weary appeal of old tom cats with shredded ears, scarred cheeks, broken tails and a limp. They may be hard used, but they are ready to go to work on a moment's notice.

The four inch barrel is interesting. I believe the dominant M&P barrel length in the 1920s was five inches.

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David Wilson