Deacon KC
Member
Hopefully someone here will know of a source for this information. I'm trying to find a site or list of handguns used by police departments in Illinois pre-1950. Thanks in advance, Deke
Illinois Police Handguns?
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Deacon KC
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Hopefully someone here will know of a source for this information. I'm trying to find a site or list of handguns used by police departments in Illinois pre-1950. Thanks in advance, Deke
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Every once in a while someone asks a question like this but it seems there is rarely a satisfactory answer. Nobody kept records back then to the extent that you seek. You are asking about dozens or hundreds of departments over a huge time span. (Pre 1950? Back to when? Territorial status?)
I doubt there is one source for the info you seek. It may not be available at all. I have tried contacting departments about duty weapons and the help I got was zilch in every instance. Either they don't know, don't care, don't want to bother, or don't trust anyone asking about guns.
I doubt there is one source for the info you seek. It may not be available at all. I have tried contacting departments about duty weapons and the help I got was zilch in every instance. Either they don't know, don't care, don't want to bother, or don't trust anyone asking about guns.
G
Guest
Deke like Dr P. said that is a question that is very open ended, how many teeagers wore levis prior to 1970?, just not one that can be answered with specifics.
From the time of the development of the 38 Special round circa turn of the century it was the most common caliber used by LE agencies until the general switch over to semi automatic in the last few years. The ISP was one of the first major agencies in American LE history to transition to semi automatic handguns, the S&W model 39 in 9mm.
The majority of departments nation wide used Smith & Wesson or Colt platforms for the 38 Special rounds.The most common S&W being the Military & Police (model 10) and in the Colt Offical Police or similar ones.It varied from place to place if the department furnished the officers revolver or required him to purchase under department guidelines.
If you have a specific department you are curious about there are several ways to do research. The local library with old newspapers on microfilm, look for images of the offiers with handguns visible.Talk to retired officers from the department or local gun shops who may have handled surplus revolvers. Some agencies maintain an example of various handguns they have issued in their armories but as Doc P says information sharing is some what limited. if you approach them and explain your historical interest that may help.
Good Luck!
From the time of the development of the 38 Special round circa turn of the century it was the most common caliber used by LE agencies until the general switch over to semi automatic in the last few years. The ISP was one of the first major agencies in American LE history to transition to semi automatic handguns, the S&W model 39 in 9mm.
The majority of departments nation wide used Smith & Wesson or Colt platforms for the 38 Special rounds.The most common S&W being the Military & Police (model 10) and in the Colt Offical Police or similar ones.It varied from place to place if the department furnished the officers revolver or required him to purchase under department guidelines.
If you have a specific department you are curious about there are several ways to do research. The local library with old newspapers on microfilm, look for images of the offiers with handguns visible.Talk to retired officers from the department or local gun shops who may have handled surplus revolvers. Some agencies maintain an example of various handguns they have issued in their armories but as Doc P says information sharing is some what limited. if you approach them and explain your historical interest that may help.
Good Luck!
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The American Police Center and Museum might be a source. It used to be in Chicago, but looks like it moved to Justice. Can't find a number, but I will be in the area tomorrow afternoon and will look into it. Sounds like an interesting study. Maybe an inquiry here and on the Colt Forum will flush out collectors with PD marked specimens.
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Deacon KC
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Yup, exactly what Ive been running into. Oh well, at least I'm not alone in my frustrating quest.....
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The museum is not where it supposedly moved. Although the aptly named Justice Police Department is right where I left it.
In that time period the Illinois State Police carried Colt or S&W 357 magnums with a 5" barrel. They were carried in a gloss finish black cross draw holster with 12 extra rounds on the right hand side of the belt which was also gloss leather. If the trooper was a lefty he carried a strong side slightly canted straight draw holster, extra ammo as above. The idea was to keep the revolver on the side away from anyone sitting in the car next to you.
The ammo was 158 GR SWC lead factory load-which was a lot hotter back then than it is today.
The ammo was 158 GR SWC lead factory load-which was a lot hotter back then than it is today.
I have a .38 Victory Model, 4 inch barrel, .38 Special, from the Defense Supply Commission Contract, which was shipped to the Illinois State Armory on February 22, 1944. The frame is stamped with "ISP". Roy confirmed that it was issued to the Illinois State Police.
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Deacon KC
Member
Thank you both for the info! I'm trying to put together some facts on them since their 1922 start up.
mjr
Member
I don't know about pre-1950, but in some--probably most--Illinois small towns, officers bought their own revolvers and could carry whatever they wished, within certain limits. In about 1960 or 61, I remember seeing one Mattoon, IL, uniformed cop carrying a Ruger Super Blackhawk.
digi-shots
Member
Deacon,
Sounds like you've got a good project on your hands!
Not to hijack this thread, but does anyone collect or know much about the early Toledo, Ohio police? I used to collect old photos and came across a Toledo p.d. photo years ago.
I thought I had an Illinois motor-cycle pic but can't find it... I'll keep looking.
Sounds like you've got a good project on your hands!
Not to hijack this thread, but does anyone collect or know much about the early Toledo, Ohio police? I used to collect old photos and came across a Toledo p.d. photo years ago.
I thought I had an Illinois motor-cycle pic but can't find it... I'll keep looking.
bigolddave
Member
My best friend in school's father was a Rockford police officer from the thirties throught the very early sixties. He carried a Colt Official Police. I had the impression that it was an issue revolver, but I am not sure.
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