Police Issue revolver

[Lawman517]

Just inherited this beauty and would like to know a little more about it. The serial number is C857XXX and there is what I assume is a Detroit Police property number stamped on the handle. The barrel is stamped .38 S&W special cartridge. Thanks in advance for any information!

 

[chiefdave]

Very nice revolver. My non-expert guess would be 55-57 time frame. A nickel police issue is a rarity. Since it was inherited you may was to get it lettered.

 

[Stinger4me]

The DPD issued revolvers were mostly nickel plated. They issued S&W Model 10, 5" barrel and Colt Official Police, 5" barrel nickel plated. At time some confiscated guns were stamped and issued. Detectives could have a S&W or Colt snub nose as issued guns. They would be 6 shot revolvers.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[jtcarm]

Actually that SN would put it about 1966-67.

 

[Absalom]

.... and there is what I assume is a Detroit Police property number stamped on the handle.

I'm a bit puzzled about the "assume". A Detroit issue gun would be obvious as it would have the DETROIT POLICE plus number on the back strap. As stinger4me says, the configuration of 5" and nickel is correct for Detroit for that period.

Check out this old thread:

Detroit PD gun picture thread?!!!!

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Love the gun love the holster .I concur with all of the above information .Welcome to the forum .You will find a well full of knowledge on everything S&W here I say this too often I know but as a relatively new member myself I am always impressed by these guys and learn something new everytime I come here . I like retired police guns especially if they have a story so tell us as much of the story on yours as you can trust me we can relate and are you going to do some shooting if so we like range reports also . Hang around you will liike it here .

 

[quinn]

Welcome the the forum. From what I have been told retiring DPD officers could purchase their issued sidearm and then register it. I obtained such a gun from the heirs of a retired DPD Lieutenant along with copies of the registration papers. It is the snub nose variation and has Serial # 48xxx and shipped in Feb. 1948.

 

[DCWilson]

If you swing out the cylinder, you should see MOD 10-5 stamped on the frame. That identifies it as a Model 10 (a designation first authorized in 1957), fifth engineering revision. As noted by others, the serial number points to 1966 or 1967, but the stocks, if they are original, suggest 1968. Before that year there was an unchecked diamond area around the screw escutcheons.

Nice gun. And welcome to the forum.

 

[Kansasgunner]

Here is a 2" Detroit Police Mod. 10-5 that I recently sold. Original stocks were long gone when I found it.

 

[Absalom]

... As noted by others, the serial number points to 1966 or 1967, but the stocks, if they are original, suggest 1968. Before that year there was an unchecked diamond area around the screw escutcheons.

There was somewhat of a transitional time period for the stock style and the introduction of the no-diamond stocks. The OP should check the right grip panel for a stamped serial number on the inside surface.

 

[shouldazagged]

Lawman517, I hope you'll stick around. This is a great forum, full of extremely knowledgeable and experienced people, and even more like me with a lot to learn.

Check out the Lounge while you're here. Lots of good stuff there.