rlarson1959
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Model 66 US Treasury marked.
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It is mentioned on page 230 of the Standard Catalog of S & W but without elaboration beyond what you wrote (whether it was an issue or commemorative gun). A factory historical letter should clarify why it was made, and give the production figure - this will influence the value the most. If it was an issued gun or only available to Treasury Agents the value will be higher than if it is a commemorative gun. Please let us know what the letter says when it arrives.
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Witryantum
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This is how the ATF one I have is marked.
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I worked with an ATF Agent in the mid-80s whose 66 was also marked that way. He had a habit of leaving it under the seat of my car during surveillances. I considered replacing it with an Iver Johnson .32 top break, but didn't have the heart.
SLT223
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If I remember right, and that's always questionable, the 2 1/2 66's started with a request from some federal agency. Maybe someone can refresh my memory.
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rlarson1959
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Would someone please advise me on how long it takes to get a letter from S&W? It's been two months since I requested the letter. Thanks again for your help.
Treasury 66
I think the ATF guns were taken up in the late 80's, when Sigs were issued. Most went to DC, agents were not given the option of purchasing them. Secret Service also had the guns as well as IRS. Many of the guns went to the training divisions, where they were used as props. All ATF guns had serial numbers beginning with T-*****. Some of the guns were lost by or stolen from Agents, which are probably still carried in the NCIC data base. Maybe S&W has advised ATF they have located one of the missing guns. I suppose that could hold up the letter from Jinks, then again, maybe not.
I think the ATF guns were taken up in the late 80's, when Sigs were issued. Most went to DC, agents were not given the option of purchasing them. Secret Service also had the guns as well as IRS. Many of the guns went to the training divisions, where they were used as props. All ATF guns had serial numbers beginning with T-*****. Some of the guns were lost by or stolen from Agents, which are probably still carried in the NCIC data base. Maybe S&W has advised ATF they have located one of the missing guns. I suppose that could hold up the letter from Jinks, then again, maybe not.
"Maybe S&W has advised ATF they have located one of the missing guns. I suppose that could hold up the letter from Jinks, then again, maybe not."
Uh, maybe ATF is going to deliver your letter bright and early one morning!
Uh, maybe ATF is going to deliver your letter bright and early one morning!
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2-3 months is a long-average wait, but not unheard of for a letter.
Treasury marked
rlarson, I don't think the gun you have is an ATF gun. It could be an IRS or Secret Service firearm, however I would think IRS. The next example, following yours, that is definatley an ATF model 66, no speculation there.
rlarson, I don't think the gun you have is an ATF gun. It could be an IRS or Secret Service firearm, however I would think IRS. The next example, following yours, that is definatley an ATF model 66, no speculation there.
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rlarson1959
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Thanks for the help so far. I just assumed that a logo "US T" would be United States Treasury. Can't wait for the factory letter.
stiab
US Veteran
The 2.5" M66 was at one time standard ATF issue, except in the Southeast Region where it was a 4" M66. These are not to be confused with the commerative guns.
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rlarson1959
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Received letter from Smith & Wesson. This was a special order revolver. This revolver was shipped to BATF, San Francisco on November 1, 1972. It is one of 70 with a special serial number. Any idea on value? Thanks to all for your interest.
haifabuddy
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Many guys around on forum more knowledgeable than me, but I would say it was for use at the San Francisco Mint. There were some IRS CID S&Ws, but I do not think that is one of them.
stiab
US Veteran
I'm just curious: if the S&W factory letter says it was sent to ATF, why would it be associated with the SF Mint?
haifabuddy
Member
I did not realize the letter said actually shipped to ATF. That might reduce the possibility of Bureau of Engraving (or Mint) destination, but one source tells me that agency where it is shipped does not mean for certain the receiving agency is the ultimate user.
charlie sherrill
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Looks to me he has a special order (one of 70) ATF model 66. If it were mine I would not take less than a grand for it and I'd have to be needing money then.
Treasury model 66
I know this is an old post but I am a former ATF agent who used to carry a model 66 just like the one you have/had...still have it? Wanna sell??
I know this is an old post but I am a former ATF agent who used to carry a model 66 just like the one you have/had...still have it? Wanna sell??
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I have my grandfather 's ATF mod 66. Other then the ATF logo where the T logo is it looks the same. I really cant find any info on them other the the standard model. Good shooting pistol for a 2.5" . Use 38s in it at the range due to the girls that go with me dont like the Glock 31c (357 sig) and the others we use do to the kick.
My grandfather told me that a few were able to buy them but not long after that was put on hold. He was told that unless they asked for his and the others back they could keep them
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I know this is an old post but I have the same US Treasurymarked gun. Any chance I could get see a copy of your letter?
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OP hasn't been here for 10 1/2 years, but here is the link to obtain your own.
http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/swhf_letter.pdf
That's the interesting thing I have one that was made for Paul Westernburger the then Technical Director of the ATF. This was confirmed by Mr. Jinks. I wanted to see what the other letters said. I contacted Mr Jinks and said all he could tell me is that the gun was made for Paul.
John Adams
Member
I called an old friend who is a retired ATF agent for some facts for this post. The ATF Model 66 serial numbers started at T001 and went up to four digits. The second contract serial numbers had a TD prefix. There were perhaps 100 4" ATF 66s. Why 4"? They were for agents in the South East. Well, why did agents in the South East get 4" guns? They were chasing "moonshiners" through the woods and thought they would shoot at longer range then other agents.
None of the ATF guns were ever sold by ATF or offered to other agencies. All were destroyed by ATF and none of the side plates were allowed to be removed. The badge on the side plate was very simple.
Perhaps half a dozen ATF MODEL 66s were lost or stolen over the years. The model 60 in my attached photo was a retirement gift to the agent who advised me on this post. The badge on the side plate is the same as the rendition on the 66s.
If Rick438 has T001 it is indeed the only legally acquired ATF 66. I understand that acquiring it caused the Technical Director to be fired by ATF.
My friend carried his 66 upside in a shoulder holster . It was very Miami Vice cool. The gun had the stainless rear sight.
None of the ATF guns were ever sold by ATF or offered to other agencies. All were destroyed by ATF and none of the side plates were allowed to be removed. The badge on the side plate was very simple.
Perhaps half a dozen ATF MODEL 66s were lost or stolen over the years. The model 60 in my attached photo was a retirement gift to the agent who advised me on this post. The badge on the side plate is the same as the rendition on the 66s.
If Rick438 has T001 it is indeed the only legally acquired ATF 66. I understand that acquiring it caused the Technical Director to be fired by ATF.
My friend carried his 66 upside in a shoulder holster . It was very Miami Vice cool. The gun had the stainless rear sight.
Attachments
The federal government was not allowed to sell or transfer firearms to individuals. The Secret Service never carried a Model 66. They carried Model 19, 2.5" blue and had a few Model 19 4". The Uniformed Division (White House Police, Executive Protection Service, etc.) carried Model 15, 4". When I was a local LE in FL, I knew ATF agents who had the 2.5" Model 66. Regarding shipment to BATF, a law enforcement officer USED to be able to purchase a firearm on letterhead from his or her department, stating weapon was for official use, and it was shipped directly to the agency. I know this for a fact because I did it several times. I don't know if this is still permitted. I doubt it.
When we got rid of our revolvers, agents wanted to purchase them. We were told that they would be available to another federal agency or destroyed.
The last thing I will say is "never say never." The privately owned Model 66 in this thread with the US Treasury seal is VERY interesting.
When we got rid of our revolvers, agents wanted to purchase them. We were told that they would be available to another federal agency or destroyed.
The last thing I will say is "never say never." The privately owned Model 66 in this thread with the US Treasury seal is VERY interesting.
raygixxer89
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raygixxer89
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That looks like a polished model 60.
