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LOT 1562
Two Smith & Wesson Double Action Revolvers
Carried by a Nevada Deputy Sheriff with Holster
and Two Sheriff Badges -A) Smith & Wesson
King Super Target .38 Military & Police Model of
1905 4th Change Revolver - Serial no. 653257, 38 S&W special cal., 6 inch vent rib bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. These
two Smith & Wesson revolvers were carried by Washoe County, Nevada Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant Robert F. Washburn
(1909-1992). In the accompanying typewritten, unsigned letter, Lt. Washburn’s nephew reminisces about the deputy
sheriff who treated his nephew like a son. The nephew’s childhood was filled with memories of his uncle taking him to
father-son events put on by the local Masonic Lodge and riding along with this uncle in the sheriff’s car. The nephew’s
father was also a Washoe County Deputy Sheriff whose law enforcement career abruptly ended when seriously injured
from being struck by a car driven by an intoxicated driver while on duty helping victims of a car accident and it is his
father’s picture (copy) that is included. A native of New York City, Robert F. Washburn was born on September 27, 1909, was a
World War II Army veteran, moved to Reno, Nevada, in 1947, retired from the Washoe County Sheriff’s office in 1971 (achieved the
rank of lieutenant in 1962), and died in January 1992 at the age of 82. Period newspapers articles piece together highlights from
Lt. Washburn’s tenure with the sheriff’s office. There were high speed car chases, rounding up drunken teenagers, making traffic
arrests, giving testimony in manslaughter cases, and interviewing and escorting murder suspects. There were also harrowing incidents such a subduing a man who pulled
out a knife during a routine traffic stop, receiving a broken finger and lacerations during an altercation with a prison inmate, and storming the home of an individual who
threatened law enforcement officers with dynamite.
Accompanying these handguns are two of Lt. Washburn’s Washoe County, Nevada Deputy Sheriff badges. These badges are the classic six-pointed star pattern, and each badge
comes in a black leather badge holder. The first badge features Lt. Washburn’s name on the front and has an inlaid stone. The badge holder contains a laminated Miranda Warning
card and a business card for George F. Cake Co., a law enforcement equipment dealer in California. The second badge is inscribed “LIEUTENANT” and is marked on the back
“ENTENMANN/GENUINE/’PLATILOY’/ON/’CARLTONE’/LOS ANGELES, 15.” The badge holder is embossed “WASHOE CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE/Reno,
Nevada/Robert F. Washburn” on the exterior and contains Washburn’s deputy sheriff’s ID card and several of Washburn’s deputy sheriff business
cards. Finally, there are several used match target score cards with many signed by Washburn.
The “A” gun was manufactured in 1915-1942 with this example featuring a full vent rib King Super Target package. The vent rib is marked “S&W-
KING SUPER TARGET” on the left side. There is a red bead front sight on a mirror base, a fully adjustable white outlined square notch rear sight, and
a trigger shoe. The revolver wears an after-market Fitz Ten-O-Grip as installed by Lt. Washburn. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt,
cylinder, and barrel. Includes a sight adjustment tool and Brauer Brothers open top/open toe leather holster.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 95% original blue finish with wear and handling marks associated with being carried by a Nevada deputy
sheriff for many years and grips with crisp checkering. The holster is very good. Mechanically excellent. This grouping stands as a great tribute to
law enforcement heritage and will be a welcomed addition to any law enforcement or S&W collection.
B) Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special (Pre-Model 36) Revolver - Serial no. 30897, 38 S&W special cal., 2 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, plastic
grips. The “B” gun is a Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special (Pre-Model 36) Revolver. This model was introduced in 1950. Matching serial numbers
appear on the butt, cylinder and barrel. The revolver wears an after-market Fitz Ten-O-Grip as installed by Lt. Washburn.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 90% original blue finish showing wear and handling marks associated with being carried by a Nevada
deputy sheriff for many years and grips with crisp checkering. Nearly all original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1561
Houston Police Officer’s Inscribed Smith & Wesson Model 28-3 Highway
Patrolman Double Action Service Revolver with Holster and Houston
Police Badge - Serial no. AHZ3161, 357 Magnum cal., 4 inch solid rib
bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in the mid-1980s, this S&W
Model 28-3 Revolver was carried in the line of duty by Houston police
officer Thomas A. Payton and as such is inscribed to him. According to
his included Texas law enforcement commission, Payton served with
the Houston Park Police Department from August 27, 1973, to August
31, 1985, and Houston Police Department from September 1, 1985,
to September 18, 1991, which is nearly a 20 year career in Texas law
enforcement. The death record for Thomas Arthur Payton indicates he
passed away a couple of days before his 61st birthday on September 18, 1991,
meaning he was still serving his city at the time of his death. Houston Park Police
merged with the Houston Police Department on September 1, 1985. This revolver would
have been acquired by Payton around the merger of the two departments. The full floral
scroll engraved silver grip cap features the inscription “T.A. PAYTON” and his badge number
“882” on separate raised gold banners. Included is Payton’s “882” Houston Police badge and
his Frisbie leather holster.
CONDITION: Very fine with 75% plus original blue finish remaining and exhibiting authentic wear and tear associated with a Texas law enforcement side arm carried daily in the line of duty by a Houston
police officer. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with typical wear related to daily use. This S&W Model 28-3 Revolver will be a great addition to any law enforcement collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000