NYPD Masback Trophy gun

[LOBO]

Would the S&WHF have any records of a NYPD Masback Trophy gun (pre-32 2" .38 S&W) that shipped from the factory on 11-25-1950?

I was wondering if there might be any paperwork between NYPD & S&W from when the gun was ordered and if there might be any paperwork showing if S&W handled the presentation inscription?

 

[apollo99]

When I went to the Masback shootout in '86 it was the coldest day in December at the usually cold anyway Rodman's neck range. I was so cold I didn't win , and I didn't care. The winner got his off duty revolver as a prize.

 

[Absalom]

Since you appear to know the shipping date, I assume you got it lettered. Is there any clue in the letter? If the gun did not ship factory-inscribed, I should think it unlikely the department would send a gun back to Smith & Wesson rather than a professional engraver for a personalized inscription.

 

[murphydog]

Inquiries to the SWHF if you have the history letter about records are free; there is a charge if anything is found.

 

[LOBO]

Here is a shot of the factory letter,

 

[les.b]

I think we have at least one Masback winner on the forum. Maybe richcapecod? And I know that I've seen more than one pictured here on the forum. I believe that they were engraved at the Dept., but can't remember any details.

Edit: Hey, my memory isn't so bad after all... Here is Rich's quote from another thread:

This model 36 was won by me in September 1972. It's a Masback Trophy gun. Back in those days the high shooter of an academy class would be awarded a handgun. I won this little girl. Don't think I put a box of ammo through her. Never carried her at all as for off-duty and back-up use I had a Colt Detective Special.

Sometime later the department stopped awarding handguns to a classes top shooter. Whatever happened to "iron men and wooden ships?"

Rich

Lobo, the only other reference I find is your own thread, with excellent photos from 2014: http://smith-wessonforum.com/swca-m...-model-32-2-38-s-w.html?403208=#post138224019.






Best Regards, Les

 

[Absalom]

Here is a shot of the factory letter,

That does indeed sound as if Roy does not know any more for sure either. But as Alan says above, if you have the letter, asking is free; you should just PM Bill Cross (Doc44) and inquire about that.

 

[LOBO]

Thanks all! I appreciate the help!

 

[Tired Gunsmith]

The usual procedure for the engraving of NYC PD "Trophy" guns was for a local engraver over in the jewelry area of Canal Street and the Bowery do it while the job was being waited for.
Of course legally it was wrong, as NONE of the engravers was a Licensed
Gunsmith. ( NYCPD Regulations specifically listed engraving of guns requiring a Gunsmith License.)
Many earlier NYC PD "Trophy" guns were USED guns obtained from the Property Clerk. A dear friends was a .32 Pocket Positive, which he still has these 60 some odd years later.

 

[les.b]

Hey, LOBO, I hope that you don't mind if I post a picture of you gun here...it is too cool not to share with the others!! I am a Terrier fan, and have a couple myself, but this is just a wonderful reminder of an era that has sadly passed us by. Above you can see Rich Rosenthal's Masback from 1972, and already they have adopted what appears to be machine engraving. 21 years earlier, the engraving was hand cut, in LOBO's 1951 Masback:

Masback Trophy Award (NYPD) won by Prob. Ptl. John Komar January 22, 1951 pre-model 32 2" .38 S&W

LOBO, if you want me too, I can delete this post....just let me know. Even though this Terrier has some honest wear in it, it is a spectacular gun from the golden era of Smith and Wesson!!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[LOBO]

The usual procedure for the engraving of NYC PD "Trophy" guns was for a local engraver over in the jewelry area of Canal Street and the Bowery do it while the job was being waited for.
Of course legally it was wrong, as NONE of the engravers was a Licensed
Gunsmith. ( NYCPD Regulations specifically listed engraving of guns requiring a Gunsmith License.)
Many earlier NYC PD "Trophy" guns were USED guns obtained from the Property Clerk. A dear friends was a .32 Pocket Positive, which he still has these 60 some odd years later.

Thank you so much for this information!! I really do appreciate it.

 

[LOBO]

Hey, LOBO, I hope that you don't mind if I post a picture of you gun here...it is too cool not to share with the others!! I am a Terrier fan, and have a couple myself, but this is just a wonderful reminder of an era that has sadly passed us by. Above you can see Rich Rosenthal's Masback from 1972, and already they have adopted what appears to be machine engraving. 21 years earlier, the engraving was hand cut, in LOBO's 1951 Masback:



LOBO, if you want me too, I can delete this post....just let me know. Even though this Terrier has some honest wear in it, it is a spectacular gun from the golden era of Smith and Wesson!!!

Best Regards, Les

I don't mind one bit Les! No worries

FWIW, I'm still searching for the Spring 3100 February 1951 issue that has the write up and the picture of Officer John Komar. I have black & white copies that were made of the issue and emailed to me by a very kind NYC librarian, but I would still love to have the real thing.

 

[RM Vivas]

Terrier #56685 appears in New York City Police Department Equipment Bureau Book 50-51 p. 115 as leaving inventory on 13FEB51. Where the name of the purchasing patrolman would usually be entered it reads PA TROPHIES.

As an aside, Terriers @ 56449 and 56889 were also listed as PA Trophies.

Best,
RM Vivas

 

[gerhard1]

Terrier #56685 appears in New York City Police Department Equipment Bureau Book 50-51 p. 115 as leaving inventory on 13FEB51. Where the name of the purchasing patrolman would usually be entered it reads PA TROPHIES.

As an aside, Terriers @ 56449 and 56889 were also listed as PA Trophies.

Best,
RM Vivas

This is an interesting thread. I find the old I-frames to be intriguing revolvers.

BTW, RM Vivas, I think I remember you. I picked an NYPD Colt Official Police from you a number of years back.

I have wished many times that that old Colt could talk.

 

[LOBO]

Terrier #56685 appears in New York City Police Department Equipment Bureau Book 50-51 p. 115 as leaving inventory on 13FEB51. Where the name of the purchasing patrolman would usually be entered it reads PA TROPHIES.

As an aside, Terriers @ 56449 and 56889 were also listed as PA Trophies.

Best,
RM Vivas

Are you able to make a copy of the New York City Police Department Equipment Bureau Book 50-51 p. 115 where it shows my guns status? It is serial number # 56685?

Thank you for the info!!

 

[Protocall_Design]

I hate how photobucket has their watermark marring every picture done on their site! It obliterates a lot of details sometimes, and just ruins the picture in general.

 

[RM Vivas]

Are you able to make a copy of the New York City Police Department Equipment Bureau Book 50-51 p. 115 where it shows my guns status? It is serial number # 56685?

Thank you for the info!!

Gimme a couple days and I'll hook you up.

Got any photos of the gun to share?

Best,
RM Vivas

 

[LOBO]

Gimme a couple days and I'll hook you up.

Got any photos of the gun to share?

Best,
RM Vivas

Thanks!!

Yes sir I do. I also have a copy of the February 1951 issue of Spring3100 featuring my gun. Took a couple of years searching on Ebay to find that one !

Email sent regarding your t-paper.