Factory Engraving - BPD - Police guns

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

I wasn't sure where this question should be asked or even if it could be answered.
I collect BPD marked Smiths specifically Boston Police Dept. however I keep hearing about other departments that used the BPD markings, such as Binghamton NY and Baltimore.
Is there a way to find out about different engravings on guns without getting a factory letter?
I guess what I am trying to find out is there a way to compile a list of departments or companies that ordered BPD markings?

 

[Art Doc]

Any city or township staring with a B and having a police department might have sidearms stamped BPD. Sometimes the seller knows the origin of the gun. Sometimes the particular stamp might be identifiable in a few cases, but most times I suspect you are guessing.

 

[dinghysailer]

BPD Stampings

I'm guessing that most such stampings were done by the police departments involved, and not by S&W. The only way to be sure is to letter the gun and see where it was shipped to. Some PDs bought direct from S&W, and some through local dealers. If it was shipped to a dealer in Alabama, you can be pretty sure is isn't a Boston PD weapon.

 

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

It is a (dice game) shoot, so far I have been lucky. I have been lettering all my Smiths for the collection. I may expand the focus a little and instead of "collecting Boston Police guns" although that would still be the main focus, allow for BPD from other departments, or trade non Boston ones off.

 

[Mack]

Did Boston use 28-2's?

I was told this 4506-1 was from the Brownsville, TX PD:

 

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

To the best of my knowledge they never carried .357's.

I am getting a factory letter on mine, that is the only way to tell.

 

[2152hq]

So many Dept's with a 'B',,as said it's a guess as to which it is w/o a letter.

This website can give you a rundown state by state for Dept's with their name starting A-Z.
Locate Police Departments, Sheriff's Offices & Law Enforcement Web Sites
A few of the states have yet to be completely entered but most are there. A link to the PD or S/Office website if they have one is given. Sometimes an inquiry can produce useful info.