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

 

[HammerBite]

That's outstanding.

 

[Searcher1970]

Now thats cool!

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Now that's as good as it gets! Nice looking historical "on its own" S&W and also with some documentable provenance!

The picture and the info add greatly to the value of that revolver!

I don't know if you are a member of the Smith & Wesson Forum or not, but that gun/picture/story is worth posting there.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/ post in this section, "S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961"

Very nice Sir!

 

[Old Fuff]

That's great! I'm delighted that you lucked out, and the history is indeed interesting. Now do yourself and the rest of us a favor. Get the revolver lettered by the Smith & Wesson company, Here is how to go about it:

Given this gun's history, I suggest that you get it "lettered." To do so you will need a snapshot of the gun, a full description including the serial number on the butt, and a check in the amount of $50.00 made out to Smith & Wesson. In exchange the company's historian, Roy G. Jinks, will research the original records (which are not computerized by the way) and send you a letter containing the details of what he finds.

This comprehensive document will contain an overview of the model’s history, followed by the details of your particular gun. This usually includes the caliber, barrel length, finish, and the exact date it was shipped from the factory, and to what distributor or dealer. If there are any special features they will be listed too. This information is often invaluable to both you and future generations.

Additional information on a historical letter will be found at the Smith & Wesson company website at:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=25301&sectionId=10504

If you don't wan't to get the letter at least make a printed copy of your post, and send it to:

Smith & Wesson
2100 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA. 01104-1698
Attn: Mr. Roy G. Jinks.

This way it will become an additional part of documented Smith & Wesson history.

 

[whitecoyote]

"Now that's as good as it gets! Nice looking historical "on its own" S&W and also with some documentable provenance!

The picture and the info add greatly to the value of that revolver!

I don't know if you are a member of the Smith & Wesson Forum or not, but that gun/picture/story is worth posting there.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/ post in this section, "S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961"

Very nice Sir!
__________________
C&L "


"Thanks Cocked & Locked and everyone else for your responses.
It is posted on S&W forum.

If anyone has any information on W.R. Fitzgerald, please post.
Thanks!"

 

[whitecoyote]

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!

 

[Brian Dale]

That's terrific! Well done, and thanks for posting this.

 

[whitecoyote]

More information on W.R Fitzgerald:
http://news.google.com/newspapers?n...eUKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=k08DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4463,6647238

http://www.azph.gov/PDF/LIFE_Nov_3_1947.pdf

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.

 

[WardenWolf]

That is incredible. What a find you have there. And a fine piece of Arizona history.

 

[Jim K]

Just to answer an unasked question, Colt's famous "Fitz" was John Henry Fitzgerald. Probably no relation.

Jim

 

[whitecoyote]

No relation that I am aware of.

 

[tekarra]

Interesting piece of history you have. Thanks for posting.

 

[Ty 357]

For me, this is the stuff that makes this hobby of ours so dadgum cool. Thanks for sharing!