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

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"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, US Navy, 16 March 1945.

Now, that is a way cool story.

It is almost kind of eerie to see his picture and the expression on his face...



It is almost like he is thinking "Now, you have my tools, go and do good things. Right things."

I really enjoy stories like this as it puts the firearm in a realm outside of the mechanical fixture itself.

Thanks for sharing...I am going to go looking for one of those myself.

Packing a .38 Special in 1913? Good choice.

Neat story, thanks for posting it.

-Nick

Hello bocephus
neat reolver and story. I too came acorss an old Police carry revolver a Little earlier than yours being from around 1927. It is a S&W Regulation Police revolver in .32 S&W Long caliber & Mine was owned and carried by The Evansville, Indiana Police Chief Harry Anderson. I like you, called the Evansville, Indiana Police department and got back a ton of Information on old Harry along with his picture shown below. It makes you wonder why any Family members did not stand up and take these fine revolvers doesnt it ? Regards, Kurt

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"Yeah, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, ... I shall Fear no Evil, as I carry with me My Trusty Loaded S&W"..

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

_________________
"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, US Navy, 16 March 1945.

W.R. Fitzgerald obituary.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8 ... 63,6647238

Another link to W.R. Fitzgerald. Life magazine.
http://www.azph.gov/PDF/LIFE_Nov_3_1947.pdf

I noticed on the far left colum of the 1920 Census "South Mariana 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.

_________________
"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, US Navy, 16 March 1945.

John...very neat research on this pistol and it's owner!! But if you post dental records next I am going to be scared!! --John

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"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee

JR Munsey your a funny man!
I can't, and will not take the credit for the research.
Much of the research was done by the guys at S&W forum.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums ... m/89710024

_________________
"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, US Navy, 16 March 1945.

I love hearing stories about things like this. That is part of why I like old firearms, the history attached to them.

greta piece of history, i find these posting great , robbt