Gun Show Find LAPD 68-2

[Thunderbolt84]

I’m not sure of what I picked up today, but I’m happy none the less. Walking around was a Stainless K Frame 6” Smith. I thought it was a Model 66. On closer examination, it was an overstamped 68-2 in .38 Special marked Los Angeles Police Department on the right side of the barrel. In addition, the right side of the frame had a stamped LAPD Sergeant Shield with a badge number. Quick research indicated it was not rare, but uncommon. We came to a price and it was mine. Excellent condition and it cleaned up spotless. Anyone know more about these, especially with a stamped shield?

 

[Eagle1*]

that is a neat piece right there. Did the original box come with it to? Either way, it would be neat to talk to the guy that was issued to or bought it originally...

 

[yep380]

Don't know anything about it, but I do think it's awesome!

 

[Jtown]

Nice gun with great history.
Walt

 

[F75gunslinger]

Nice looking gun..

 

[kennethg]

The model 68's/68-2's are unique and very cool. Their were only 8,055 of this model made. There is not a breakdown of how many went to the CHP or LAPD. You did well in getting it.

 

[murphydog]

As noted above these were CHP and LAPD duty sidearms. This one was probably sold to the Sergeant whose badge number is engraved on it, but by its (really nice) appearance it was probably not a carry gun. Another way to confirm this is LAPD mandated these to be DAO, so if it is SA/DA it probably lived on a shelf.

There is/was a former LAPD officer here who knows more about these and might show up to comment further. Enjoy!

 

[Thunderbolt84]

Thanks for the info. It is DA/SA, no box. I’m not sure it has ever been shot. I needed some luck. I had to almost give away some old Marlins at a show last week. I should stick to S&W revolvers from here on out. ��

 

[shouldazagged]

Beautiful revolver and a great find.

 

[mscampbell2734]

The Department never issued any engraved/special stamped guns. HOWEVER the Revolver and Athletic Club has commissioned several runs of various guns, Smith revolvers and 4506s, Ithica shotguns and such, over the years. This year one of the Divisions, Southeast, teamed up with Colt for a specially marked run of Colt Competition 1911s.

 

[HamHands]

Its very cool OP. In the first pic... you will want to take the rust off that rear sight if not already done so. I HATE rust on guns...

 

[CLASSIC12]

That’s a beautiful revolver you found, congratulations. The badge number ending in 357 is a nice touch, even if the gun is a 38.

It should be a great target gun. I have an identical looking 66-3 which only uses .38 spl these days, and it’s one of the most accurate handgun I own.

 

[nipperdog]

Very nice Find. I would be Proud to own such a Revolver

 

[Thunderbolt84]

As thrilled as I was to find this gun, I would rather look for a shooter personally. Does anyone have an honest guess on value? I will probably take it to my club's next show in November and sell it; the Ohio Gun Collector's Association.

 

[CALREB]

Hi Bolt, Those were one of the only handguns allowed for duty use to have "extra" engraving. They came from the factory to the Revolver club, with the LAPD script on the barrel and the blond stocks, Officers had the Revolver Club inscribe the badge and serial number on the side plate( that number IS an actual serial number and not a badge number) sadly some officer or widow sold it for whatever reason.
Although ,technically not allowed, it was always overlooked by the armory when the officers brought them in to be neutered to D/A only. Some were fixed for officers after retirement, so it may be D/A,S/A.

SIS Units 645/4506/4566/ were the only other guns allowed, during my time, engraving not done by the factory, like SWATs 1911s as part of the serial number.
I bought mine from a widow, it was never engraved, but I wouldn't think it would hurt the value, as it was dept allowed and shows it actually was an officers weapon at some time, nice find, hope it has a good home...Bob

 

[Professor Frink]

I have one of these as well, I have a strong attraction to most any weapon with police/govt/other markings.

Mine came with the box and documents but is definitely used. No badge engraving and has wear. I strongly suspect it was an officers carry weapon due to the wear and for having been altered to DA only.

 

[Joe Kent]

A very neat revolver, great find.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

So you did watch reruns of Adam12 while cleaning it right?

 

[jpage]

Be on the lookout for a Ithaca M-37 LAPD Special. Rare as hen’s teeth, it would be the perfect companion piece.

 

[Engine49guy]

Saw one priced reasonably in a Georgia gun store a few years back but the Model 68 wasnt on my short list.

IIRC the Model 68 uses the shorter K-38 cylinder (from a Model 67 or Model 64) instead of using a longer Magnum cylinder with .38 bores.

This means the barrel forcing cone protrusion into the frame window is longer like the K-38 and would prevent fitting a .357 cylinder.

Makes sense they would call it a Model 68 since it is a different model and came after the Model 67,
likely the Model 68 is the closest S&W ever came to producing a 6" version of the Model 14 albeit with shrouded ejector rod (normally reserved for Magnum revolvers until years later).