For the Victory database ---

[Waveski]

I was contacted by ORDNANCEGUY ; he asked if I would discreetly provide to him the serial# of my '43 DSC. I said Sure - but to heck with discreet! What I have here is a good excuse for show-and-tell.

I have posted images of this revolver here before , but far be it from me to pass up an opportunity to show pictures of one of my favorite K frames. So , here is my 1943 DSC , evidently issued to the Arkansas Ordnance Plant. That facility was staffed primarily with women , and apparently the security guys took very good care of their sidearms.

Thanks to forum members who provided me with the background info just stated.

 

[ordnanceguy]

Thank you, Waveski. That's a great looking revolver!

Info had now been added to the Database.

 

[DWalt]

From the SN, I'd think it would probably have shipped sometime in May 1942.

 

[Waveski]

Previously here the thought was 1943. '42 is feasible , as the Arkansas Ordnance plant opened in June 1941 from what I can gather.
It would be nice if I could nail this down. Not critical , but nice.

By the way , that DSC is what you get if you lurk around Gunbroker long enough ... acquired 2 years ago at $393 IIRC.

 

[Targets Guy]

975939 shipped 4/42

 

[Absalom]

The Arkansas Ordnance Plant was a GOCO facility operated by Ford, Bacon & Davis of New York.

It would be interesting to see this gun lettered, and to find out whether it shipped to the plant or was sold to the main contractor, or maybe a subcontractor providing the security guards.

World War II Ordnance Plants - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

 

[DWalt]

The AOP was in Jacksonville AR, a suburb of Little Rock. It is adjacent to Little Rock AFB (mainly a C-130 training base at present). Much of the AOP still stands and the buildings have been converted to commercial use. At least they were the last time I was there, about 10 years ago. I don't know what AOP made but I had understood from the locals mainly things like grenades and mortar shells, but the internet information says is was ordnance device fuzes. I formerly visited Little Rock AFB frequently and have seen many of the AOP buildings.

"Previously here the thought was 1943. '42 is feasible , as the Arkansas Ordnance plant opened in June 1941 from what I can gather."

Closest dated pre-Victory SN I have to yours on my list is 983276 which shipped on 5/15/42.