Pre-War King Super Police Snub M&P - Oh and It's Engraved!!

[regmag-621]

Dear Richard,

really a very nice revolver, congratulation !!
I think Roy made a typo, the dealer was Adolph Blaich, SF.

Best regards from Germany
Paul #SWCA 1354

 

[RKmesa]

... I don't see an A. Balich in the records, but this wouldn't be the first time a spelling or transcription error was found in the company's shipping records.

...I think Roy made a typo, the dealer was Adolph Blaich, SF.

David and Paul:

Thanks for your insight and research. I found Adolph Blaich in the 1940 Census and he was involved in the "wholesale sporting goods" business (I also think he sold a lot of what have become collectible razors). Probably a transposition error somewhere along the reporting trail and Mr A Blaich was the more likely destination point for this little 38 Special...

Here's the census record...

 

[DCWilson]

On the new evidence, Balich can take a back seat. I like Blaich.

There are references to a Blaich Hardware Company and Blaich Cutlery to be found at the given Market Street address. Must be just a fluke that a guy name Balich who was born within a year of Blaich was also in sporting goods.

On the holster: that's not an unfamiliar design to me, but I haven't seen more than one or two over the years. I don't recall when/where I might have seen one last. I think it is intended for use in a right front trousers pocket. The way it's designed, the leather would stay in the pocket when the revolver was produced. Remember that there was a leather worker in business at the Market St. address. It could be a custom job completed on-site at Blaich's request (assuming he ordered the revolver for his personal use).

 

[Troystat]

Wow that is the best EDC gun ever. P+ safe? Just kidding of course. Thank you so much for showing us this wonderful S&W.

 

[RKmesa]

...On the holster: that's not an unfamiliar design to me, but I haven't seen more than one or two over the years. I don't recall when/where I might have seen one last. I think it is intended for use in a right front trousers pocket. The way it's designed, the leather would stay in the pocket when the revolver was produced. Remember that there was a leather worker in business at the Market St. address. It could be a custom job completed on-site at Blaich's request (assuming he ordered the revolver for his personal use).

Thank you.

Additional Holster Info: I should have taken a photo of the back as well, but it has a couple of straps to feed a belt through. In addition, I think there was a retention strap at one point that snapped in the front...

I'm at the office right now, but I'll check later tonight...

 

[Shark Bait]

You are truly a master at finding ultra-kool guns. You must be the Hugh Hefner of gun porn. Holy cow!

 

[bamabiker]

I don't care what Patton says, that pearl handled pistol is top notch.

 

[Bob L]

That is one that I would almost want to put on display on my coffee table so I could just stare at it all night. Wonderful find!

 

[Green Frog]

For sheer durability, MOP leaves a lot to be desired, but then again, most guns so equipped aren't generally destined for rough duty. Bob L has the right idea... or maybe I'd place it in a display case next to my bed so it could be seen and admired first and last thing every night, and available if something went "bump in the night." The holster would fit well on a belt under the cummerbund of my tux on very special occasions. Make my martini dry, stirred not shaken.

Froggie

 

[Buford57]

I'm actually surprised we don't see more of them and can only assume that LEOs of the era felt that it didn't improve their guns enough to justify even that modest additional cost. I still wish I could find someone set up to do the conversion today!

Froggie

There's another consideration: I doubt many officers in those days had a spare revolver to carry while waiting for the work to be done. I recall having to borrow my wife's M67 for a couple weeks when my HP was in the shop for replacement of a rear sight blade. That also meant buying an authorized duty holster and speed loaders for the smaller gun. I was considered a "gun guy" within the department but I was also a newlywed who had liquidated a lot in order to relocate. It was another year or two before I could keep a dedicated spare.

 

[DevilDog72]

uhhhh, W O W beautiful revolver.. thanks for sharing.

This is one truly great Forum. I have learned and continue to learn about the guns, leather, history and more from a great group of people.

 

[shouldazagged]

Richard, that gun is a complete stunner, gorgeous from butt to muzzle.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

Richard you have done it again, well done sir and congrats on yet another amazing engraved/customized S&W wheelgun!

 

[kennicka]

Beautiful! Congratulations!!!

 

[RKmesa]

... Would the "Dog Bone" style box of Remington ammo be of the proper vintage? I've always though they were the ultimate cool on display.

Froggie

I do believe that the Remington Dog Bone boxes of ammo are correct for the 1930's. I think I have several of those in 38 S&W SPL

 

[Mitch_D]

Fabulous gun, Richard.

I can't help but note the King front sight is very similar to that on Ed McGivern's personal carry piece, s/n: 608894. I stared at it until closing time when visiting the NRA Firearms Museum several years ago (wife & daughter had to come drag me out).

See the attached photos.

Somebody modified your gun with some very specific ideas in mind - with great results.






Thanks for letting us take a look...