Mod 66-2 CHP Etched?

[JeepRacer]

I recently purchased a Mod 66-2 with the CHP logo etched on the side of the revolver. I believe, based on the information I have located, that S&W never built a Mod 66 for the CHP. They did however build a Mod 19 and Mod 68. The Mod 68 had the letters stamped in the side, but did not use the CHP Logo.
Has anyone ever seen one of these? or Have any knowledge of one of these?

Thanks, JeepRacer

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I've never seen one before but I've gotta think it's something that would be difficult to fake. It's gotta be ligit, whether it was done by the factory, a distributor, and the CHP armory department on their own.

Is it a stamping, or a laser etching? Hard to tell, not having it in hand, but it kinda looks like an etching.

What's the s/n of the gun? Sometime that holds information that can help unlock the mystery. I take it there was no box.

Any other markings, like a badge number, on the side?

 

[JeepRacer]

It is etched, just like the S&W logo is done.
It is a Mod 66-2, 2.5" Barrel, with matching number grips. Grips are standard K frame round butt wooden grips with S&W Medallions.
Serial number is: ANS68XX
No box or any other markings on the revolver.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Mod 66-2, 2.5" Barrel,Serial number is: ANS68XX

February of 1987, give or take.

Appears to be just a normal s/n. So no help there. Some times a factory commemorative gun will have a unique s/n, and some times otherwise normal guns from certain distributors will have special prefixes.

 

[JeepRacer]

I appreciate your input. I really was hoping someone would have seen one of these before and tell me who they were manufactured for.
Thanks. JeepRacer

 

[Mike-4]

Most likely a custom made "presentation" revolver offered for sale in the collector market. The S&W 66 was never an issued weapon with the CHP as far as I know. The issued revolvers were the models 67 (4") and 68 (6"). A model 66 was allowed to be carried but at the officer's expense. Other S&W .38 /.357 revolvers as well as Rugers and Colts revolvers were allowed to be carried on the officer's dime. I have seen the same engraving on presentation models as well as model 60's (BUGs) that were purchased in the mid-80's. Hope this helps.

 

[JeepRacer]

I just read that S&W did a Model 68 California Highway Patrol Commemorative in 1984. They used the CHP "Winged Wheel" on the sideplate as well as engraving "California Highway Patrol" on the barrel. I wonder if someone might have pulled the sideplate off of a Mod 68 and exchanged it on the Mod 66 that I purchased. Just a guess, but it is the best I can come up with. Thanks for your responses.

JeepRacer

 

[markyboy57]

The winged wheel is a different logo than the CHP star. Maybe a
special order for a presentation piece. Might be worth spending the $50 on a letter.

 

[somebrains]

Could be a retirement gift.

Domino's employees get Rolex Air Kings, and guns are cheap.

I inherited a P229 Gen 1 SAS and a 66-3 2.5" that were never issued sidearms, but came in a wood box + plaque + punched ID card + retired eagle.