S&W 1905 second change (interesting history)

[whitecoyote]

I recently aquired a S&W 1905 second change, .38 special.
When I received the S&W it was fairly clean. I went over it, making sure the revolver was properly cleaned, and oiled.
When I took the grips off, I observed some writting on the left grip.
It stated "W.R. Fitzgerald Prescott Arizona 1913 Police force".
I thought it would be interesting to know if there ever was a W.R Fitzgerald. I called the Prescott, Arizona Police Dept. I spoke with a very nice lady. I explained to her why I was calling. She seemed very interested. She puts me on hold, and returns a few minutes later. She said "I thought I recognized the name W.R. Fitzgerald, his picture is hanging on the wall in the hallway". She stated, W.R Fitzgerald was the Chief of Police (Prescott) from 02/1937 to 02/1949.
The lady I spoke with was nice enough to send me a picture of (Chief) W.R. Fitzgerald.
It's always nice to find the history of an old firearm.

(Chief) W.R. Fitzgerald

Factory letter received 11/28/2009.

 

[whitecoyote]

S&W 1905 second change Factory letter received 11/28/2009.

I recently aquired a S&W 1905 second change, .38 special.
When I received the S&W it was fairly clean. I went over it, making sure the revolver was properly cleaned, and oiled.
When I took the grips off, I observed some writting on the left grip.
It stated "W.R. Fitzgerald Prescott Arizona 1913 Police force".
I thought it would be interesting to know if there ever was a W.R Fitzgerald. I called the Prescott, Arizona Police Dept. I spoke with a very nice lady. I explained to her why I was calling. She seemed very interested. She puts me on hold, and returns a few minutes later. She said "I thought I recognized the name W.R. Fitzgerald, his picture is hanging on the wall in the hallway". She stated, W.R Fitzgerald was the Chief of Police (Prescott) from 02/1937 to 02/1949.
The lady I spoke with was nice enough to send me a picture of (Chief) W.R. Fitzgerald.
It's always nice to find the history of an old firearm.

(Chief) W.R. Fitzgerald

 

[Dan M]

Wow, turned out to be the Cheif is Fantastic.

congrats

Dan

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Very nice S&W with documented provenance. Get a S&W Factory Letter on the gun and you'll be good to go.

 

[j38]

Nice old gun ... and fun to know where it came from! Thanks for the post,

Jerry

 

[whitecoyote]

Originally posted by Dan M:
Wow, turned out to be the Cheif is Fantastic.

congrats

Dan

Thanks Dan!

 

[mikepriwer]

According the the serial number in the grip, 134xxx, the gun is about 1910. The
ink number on the grip is 1913, so maybe that is when Fitzgerald joined the
force, or was issued the gun, or maybe bought it for himself at a gunstore !

If he was, say, 25 when he joined the force, he becomes chief 24 years later,
making him almost 50. He is chief for 12 years, so maybe he retires at 62.

Give or take a few years, the numbers fit well.

The gun shows the usual wear to both the bluing and the grips, which are almost
worn smooth. The patent-date roll-markings on the right side of the barrel
are correct for this period. The gun looks to have no major dings or dents,
just lots of holster wear.

The wood used , for the grips, from that period has incredible grain. You'd
have to have them recheckered, to bring it out, but then they would not be
consistent with the wear on gun itself !

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[pace40]

Boy I wish someone would have thought to put their name and date on some of the guns I'm researching. Sure would make things a helluva lot easier.

Great find and great story. Here's a little search hit on the chief. If I can dig up the full article, I'll send it along.

" Tucson Daily Citizen
Chief Fitzgerald was dismissed Monday by the Prescott city cil and mayor after heading the local police department for more than 10 years No reason was given for the dismissal Fitzgerald joined the Prescott police force in 1913 as patrolman
Tuesday, June 29, 1948 Tucson, Arizona"

 

[donaldw870]

I love the gun and the story. Thanks for sharing. -Donald

 

[Dan M]

Yeah I bet the gun could tell many interesting/exciting stories of Whiskey Row there in Prescott during Prohibition and the depression. If they could only talk

Dan

 

[whitecoyote]

Originally posted by mikepriwer:
According the the serial number in the grip, 134xxx, the gun is about 1910.
Later, Mike Priwer

The grips serial number, does match the revolver serial number. The grips appear to be original.
Thanks for all the information regarding W.R. Fitzgerald. Any other information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Camster]

Inscription by an old nib ink pen too.

 

[pace40]

wc

Check your email. Sent a page you may find interesting.

 

[whitecoyote]

Originally posted by pace40:
wc

Check your email. Sent a page you may find interesting.

Got it. Thank you very much sir!!!

 

[whitecoyote]

pace40 was kind enough to send me this information.
It's the 1920 Census, with information about W. R. Fitzgerald.
Thanks pace40!

 

[NT430]

Great Find! I love the histories (similar to the "Jack Roy" post)!

I believe this is W. R. Fitzgerald's wife's notice of death...
Kathryn FITZGERALD
Birth Date: 9 Sep 1891
Death Date: Jul 1975
Social Security Number: 526-xx-xxxx
State or Territory Where Number Was Issued: Arizona

Death Residence Localities
ZIP Code: 86301
Localities: Prescott, Yavapai, Arizona

Having a little trouble pinning Wm. R. down - will keep looking...

 

[NT430]

JackPot!

Here's an article from the "Nov. 15, 1955 issue of the Prescott Evening Courier" about Police Chief Bill Fitzgerald's life and death!
http://news.google.com/newspap...IBAJ&pg=4463,6647238

You're Welcome - and thanks for your rememberances of "Jack Roy!"

ps. it "maybe" just a coincidence but there are several references in Google to a "spokesman for the Maricopa Attorney's office & Lead/ Head Parole Officer in Prescott with the name of "Bill Fitzgerald!" - Wm. R's son was named after him!

 

[whitecoyote]

Thanks for the information Pre-64!
I noticed on the far left colum of the 1920 Census "South Marina Street".
In the death notice of W.R. Fitzgerald there was an address of 306 S. Marina St.
I did a Google Earth, and W.R. Fitzgerald's house is still there.

 

[NT430]

White Coyote - you'll also find additional references and pictures of the Chief at the following "Sharlot Hall Museum"
http://www.sharlot.org/archive...itzgerald%2C+William

 

[NT430]

Mr White Coyote, and Wm. R. was quoted in this article in the Nov. 3rd edition of "Life" magazine speaking to the drinkin' habits of the "Old Pioneers" of Maricopa County...page 87
http://www.azph.gov/PDF/LIFE_Nov_3_1947.pdf