twaits
Member
Nice, I mine's just like it. Whats the rack number on the backstrap?
Detroit PD gun picture thread?!!!!
- Thread starter pred
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Nice, I mine's just like it. Whats the rack number on the backstrap?
MaximumLawman
Member
As I recall it was silver for PO's and Sgt.'s and Brass or some other gold colored plating for Lt.'s and up. PO's and Sgt. badges were silver. Lt.'s and up were "gold". Also, the cap braid or cord on the PO's hat was black. Sgt.'s was gray and Lt's and up had some sort of gold braid or metal band.
There were a lot of flap style holsters in the 70's and in the 80's various low bid stuff. In the 80's, 12 round loops were issued for most guys. Skinny guys got 6 round loops. Prior to the 80's a lot of guys carried dump pouches. I don't know if they were issued or not. Cuff cases were issued but a lot of guys I knew carried drop loops. Belts were plain black, no basketweave. Also, DPD had large belt loops in the pants. Your issued gun belt also held up your pants unless you wore a garrison belt with keepers. No keepers were issued. Every time you changed pants, you had to disassemble your gun belts and put the components on as you went through the pants loops with the belt. PREP (it stood for "Personal Radio Equipped Police" if anyone wondered...they weren't "Walkie Talkies) "hangers" were issued. These were like key ring hangers on your belt. They were a leather loop that slid onto your gun belt. From the leather loop hung a quick release type hook of the sort on the end of a dog leash. You pulled back on the "latch" with your thumb to open the J-hook, if that makes sense. These were worn in pairs and they hooked onto either side of a leather PREP case than hung via the hooks on your belt. The PREP radio then went into that case. It was cumbersome and something right out of the horse cavalry of the 1800's (if they would have had radios). Sometime in the 80's, some bright guy invented a PREP clip. This was a spring steel affair that the PREP slid into and hooked onto the gun belt. It held the PREP much more securely and higher on the belt. I still use that type of clip today. I don't know when they got rid of the shoulder strap but I used to see a lot of old timers and motormen wearing them in the 80's. I always thought they were supposed to go over the shoulder OPPOSITE your gun to take some of the weight of the gun, but I saw a lot of guys wearing them on the same shoulder as their gun to..what? Take the weight of their swords or saber? Not sure what that was all about. Would have been nice to have one of those holding up my 25-2. Would have been cool to carry a saber instead of a PREP though too.
Hat trivia: The braids on the front of the caps were functional. They were knotted and tied so you could pull the knots together and get "slack" in the braid to pull them over the visor and down and turn it into a "chin strap". The ends were fastened to the sides of the hat via buttons. We once lined up in roll call with all of our "chin straps" fastened between our lips and chins like some kind of Prussians. The boss wasn't amused.
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rlee1976
Member
is this a DPD gun?
Aerojoe, on page 7 of this thread you posted a pic of a nickel .32 Colt Police *** that was a Detroit PD gun. Can I get a picture of the DPD marking? I just bought an old .32 Police *** mfg. 1917 I think (one year before yours there) and I just noticed engraving on the butt that says "DPD No 4". Is this a Detroit gun and what does the No 4 mean? Thanks for your help.
Ryan
Oh, one more thing. I don't know if it shows in the pics, but the cylinder on this gun looks like it was fire blued. Odd because I thought that Colt stopped fire bluing the small parts circa 1912, and I didn't know that cylinders were ever fire blued, only triggers, hammers and such. Any thoughts?
Aerojoe, on page 7 of this thread you posted a pic of a nickel .32 Colt Police *** that was a Detroit PD gun. Can I get a picture of the DPD marking? I just bought an old .32 Police *** mfg. 1917 I think (one year before yours there) and I just noticed engraving on the butt that says "DPD No 4". Is this a Detroit gun and what does the No 4 mean? Thanks for your help.
Ryan
Oh, one more thing. I don't know if it shows in the pics, but the cylinder on this gun looks like it was fire blued. Odd because I thought that Colt stopped fire bluing the small parts circa 1912, and I didn't know that cylinders were ever fire blued, only triggers, hammers and such. Any thoughts?
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whitecoyote
Member
I don't believe your Colt is a Detroit Police revolver, but I could be wrong. It's probably Dallas P.D., or another big department that begins with a "D".
From what I have seen Detroit usually engraved on the backstrap "Detroit Police".
By the way nice Colt you have there. Thanks for sharing.
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Aerojoe
Member
I would say its not a Detroit gun but not just because it is marked DPD as alot of early guns were only marked DPD like my Merwin Hulbert and confiscated undercover guns had a C#### hand engraved.
I would say no because it is not marked Detroit Police like other Police Positives that would be in the same order time. I had a earlier Police Positive from I believe 1916-17 and it was marked like my current police positive.
The gun is not nickel plated like 90% of all Detroit Revolvers were. It is my understanding there were only not nickel plated during war time and when they needed guns quicker then the nickel plated guns could be gotten. My earlier Police Positive was also nickel.
Finally because it is marked number 4. Now i am not sure anybody actually understands Detroit's system for numbering the guns. I have been told every time a new "brand" ie Colt, S&W, Glock was used it started at 1. That means since they were already issuing colts when this gun is made it wouldn't be number 4.
The last part is sometimes not true because I have seen colt auto's that were bought and numbered 1 - 50 even when they were already issuing colts revolvers. But those were test guns so that might explain that. Somebody also screwed up on the glocks and started at number 1 again on the 3rd gen glocks. Detroit sent the guns back and glock made new frames with a DPD1 serial number however the slides and barrels are still marked just DPD. So even though I own the first Detroit glock serial number 00001DPD there is a 00001DPD1 glock 22 somewhere. I am surprised to no have seen it up for sale yet!!!
FYI there are said to be multiple M&P 40's marked #1 the real #1 went to James Barren and I herd another was made for Warren Evans however the M&P's stock numbers are NOT the guns serial number like the glocks were they are just engraved on the slide.
I would say no because it is not marked Detroit Police like other Police Positives that would be in the same order time. I had a earlier Police Positive from I believe 1916-17 and it was marked like my current police positive.
The gun is not nickel plated like 90% of all Detroit Revolvers were. It is my understanding there were only not nickel plated during war time and when they needed guns quicker then the nickel plated guns could be gotten. My earlier Police Positive was also nickel.
Finally because it is marked number 4. Now i am not sure anybody actually understands Detroit's system for numbering the guns. I have been told every time a new "brand" ie Colt, S&W, Glock was used it started at 1. That means since they were already issuing colts when this gun is made it wouldn't be number 4.
The last part is sometimes not true because I have seen colt auto's that were bought and numbered 1 - 50 even when they were already issuing colts revolvers. But those were test guns so that might explain that. Somebody also screwed up on the glocks and started at number 1 again on the 3rd gen glocks. Detroit sent the guns back and glock made new frames with a DPD1 serial number however the slides and barrels are still marked just DPD. So even though I own the first Detroit glock serial number 00001DPD there is a 00001DPD1 glock 22 somewhere. I am surprised to no have seen it up for sale yet!!!
FYI there are said to be multiple M&P 40's marked #1 the real #1 went to James Barren and I herd another was made for Warren Evans however the M&P's stock numbers are NOT the guns serial number like the glocks were they are just engraved on the slide.
Nice snub John. Here's mine shipped February of 1948. DPD inventory #9289. Also matching grips. Also bought it from the same place as you did.
We are going to have to do some 25, 50 and 100 yard shooting with these at my place.
We are going to have to do some 25, 50 and 100 yard shooting with these at my place.
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whitecoyote
Member
Sounds good. Let me know when you are ready.
Are you sure you can still see a target at 100 yds?
robbt
Member
hi guys , who made the flap holsters for the Detriot Pd , I have seen Gould & Goodrich and Don Hume ??
did anyone else make them ???
robbt
did anyone else make them ???
robbt
robbt
Member
hi guys , I'll post a picture if summoned
Nice finds and photos. There's another Detroit Police marksmanship badge on eBay right now. Do a search for "Detroit Police Sharpshooter Revolver mini badge" (I have no relation to seller, interest in sale, etc.).
I saw a Utube video that was taken driving through parts of Detroit with abandoned houses. The weirdest thing was the large number of boats sitting in the yards and driveways of empty houses. The boats were of course stripped of motors, etc. It was as if all of a sudden the high paying auto jobs left and then the unemployed who could no longer afford the house or the boat left town leaving the boat to be repossessed but it never was worth the bank coming to pick up. And the locals don't seem to want to steal the boat either. If manufacturing jobs continue to be exported other cities may suffer the same fate.
On a happier thought, I enjoyed reading this long thread on D.P.D. guns.
On a happier thought, I enjoyed reading this long thread on D.P.D. guns.
Percy
Member
Please send any or all back to me here in Detroit. Thank you. End drooling.
jrs70
US Veteran
Detroit Police Chief of Detective Badge
My Detroit Police Chief of Detective Badge made around 1900. I was told that there are only about 5 Detroit Police badges made like this. This is the only Chief of Deceive Badge of this design (to date). What makes it different is the ridge around the badge is a separate piece that is molded to the badge. It is 10 K gold filled and is most likely made by Weyhing Brothers in Detroit. This badge was made before the makers stamped names and gold content.
When I received it I was told the chief that retired in 1920 gave it to the Chief that retired in 1930. I have had it about 33/34 years.
My Detroit Police Chief of Detective Badge made around 1900. I was told that there are only about 5 Detroit Police badges made like this. This is the only Chief of Deceive Badge of this design (to date). What makes it different is the ridge around the badge is a separate piece that is molded to the badge. It is 10 K gold filled and is most likely made by Weyhing Brothers in Detroit. This badge was made before the makers stamped names and gold content.
When I received it I was told the chief that retired in 1920 gave it to the Chief that retired in 1930. I have had it about 33/34 years.
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![chief_of_detectives_reverse[1].jpg](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/32/32421-b5770f0e6e87454630e48f08cf2baefe.jpg?hash=HJJb5snYsf)
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Aerojoe
Member
I doubt that is an actual Detroit call box. Detroit never had that style of call box except on a few freeways. Those boxes rotted out because they are aluminum and the salt destroyed them. The ones they did have in this style did not have the tiny gamewell logo at the top.
I know the show you went to in madison heights and I am pretty sure who you bought that box from. The table right when you walked in the door to the right? He sells these boxes all the time on ebay. He likes to give a brass DPD marked key with the boxes too.
If you would have said you were looking for a Detroit box. I have restored a bunch of boxes for po's and have every box Detroit used from the very rare "1895" box to the "telephone" box only used in the 9th precinct. So I could have sent you in the right direction or sold you one of my extra boxes I come across.
I know the show you went to in madison heights and I am pretty sure who you bought that box from. The table right when you walked in the door to the right? He sells these boxes all the time on ebay. He likes to give a brass DPD marked key with the boxes too.
If you would have said you were looking for a Detroit box. I have restored a bunch of boxes for po's and have every box Detroit used from the very rare "1895" box to the "telephone" box only used in the 9th precinct. So I could have sent you in the right direction or sold you one of my extra boxes I come across.
Florida Guy
Member
Very entertaining thread.
Went through all 22 pages today
Went through all 22 pages today
whitecoyote
Member
Well you are wrong on all accounts. I personally know the Officer I purchased the call box from (not the guy on the right when you walk in). It came from the area of the Southfield Freeway, and Grand River.
Aerojoe
Member
Well sorry figured it was the retired sterling heights guy you got it from.It looked alot like the boxes always on ebay. But like i said every DPD cop I talked to that used call boxes has never seen these in Detroit other then a couple on the freeways.
Just saw this thread because I bought a DPD 10-5 snubby in nickel last Sunday.
I don't know how to post pictures but it is VGC and looks like many of the DPD nickel snubbies posted throughout this thread.
Just a tidbit: About 1.5 years ago the FFL I go to the most bought about 20 Colt Official Police revolvers from the Hamtramck, MI PD. (For those of you not familiar with the area, Hamtramck is a very small city in the middle of Detroit and surrounded geographically by Detroit city proper.)
They were getting rid of their inventory and they were made in 1956. They were standard 4" blued OP's and were all carried by patrolmen. They all had holster wear but were in proper timing, etc.
I bought three of them for a total of $750 and am very happy.
One is my bedstand gun, the second one, with the most wear, I rust blued and carry alot in the winter, and the last is more pristine and is in the safe. (But I shoot them all.)
The interesting thing is there are NO markings that they were ever issued to the Hamtramck PD. Why(?)......I have no idea.
ETA: Oh, I forgot to say the 10-5 snubby was issued to a homicide detective and he bought it from the PD when he retired.
I don't know how to post pictures but it is VGC and looks like many of the DPD nickel snubbies posted throughout this thread.
Just a tidbit: About 1.5 years ago the FFL I go to the most bought about 20 Colt Official Police revolvers from the Hamtramck, MI PD. (For those of you not familiar with the area, Hamtramck is a very small city in the middle of Detroit and surrounded geographically by Detroit city proper.)
They were getting rid of their inventory and they were made in 1956. They were standard 4" blued OP's and were all carried by patrolmen. They all had holster wear but were in proper timing, etc.
I bought three of them for a total of $750 and am very happy.
One is my bedstand gun, the second one, with the most wear, I rust blued and carry alot in the winter, and the last is more pristine and is in the safe. (But I shoot them all.)
The interesting thing is there are NO markings that they were ever issued to the Hamtramck PD. Why(?)......I have no idea.
ETA: Oh, I forgot to say the 10-5 snubby was issued to a homicide detective and he bought it from the PD when he retired.
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robbt
Member
howdy , what the going price for a good clean nickel Detriot Pd 10-5 , 5 inch with over 95 % nickel and original numbered pc grips ????
robbt
robbt
I was born in DeTROIT in the early 1950's, and it was a much different place than it has become today. It was Motor City long before it became Motown. I moved far away before the riots began but still have kin there.
The pics of the police revolvers are interesting to look at. Would like to get one for my collection, but don't know where to start. The handgun laws here in Colorado are a lot different than I remember Michigan's being. Any helpful hints or suggestions would be appreciated. Im in process of renewing my C&R. Im sure many of these would be C&R eligible. Anyway.. Thanks... Dun
The pics of the police revolvers are interesting to look at. Would like to get one for my collection, but don't know where to start. The handgun laws here in Colorado are a lot different than I remember Michigan's being. Any helpful hints or suggestions would be appreciated. Im in process of renewing my C&R. Im sure many of these would be C&R eligible. Anyway.. Thanks... Dun
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