Revolver

Object Name:

Revolver

Object ID:

1987.070.35 a-c

Creator:

Smith & Wesson -- Manufacturer

Place of Origin:

Springfield, MA

Date:

1917-1940

Description:

Revolver, holster and ammunition, World War I origin, used by Col. Wood during World War II. Revolver (a) has steel body, Plexiglas grips. Several maker's marks: "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED DEC.17.1901.FEB.8.1906.SEP.14.1909.", "S.&W. D.A.45", " 'UNITED STATES PROPERTY' ", "U.S. / ARMY / MODEL / 1917 / No / 58 / 298" (on butt), and two very small flame-like engravings. 11" long, 5.5" wide, 1.6" revolver diameter. Leather holster (b) is dark brown, with swivel belt attachment; metal button closure. 13.5" long, 5.5" wide. Ammunition (c) includes 6 bullets, brass cylinders with copper tips, set in 2 steel holders. Bullets are marked "FEDERAL / 45 AUTO". Each bullet is 1.25" long, 0.5" diam.
A. Revolver. Steel.
B. Holster. Leather.
C. Ammunition. Brass, copper, steel.

Material:

Metal
Leather
Composition
Brass
Copper
Steel
Glass

Dimensions:

H-5.5 W-1.7 L-11 inches

Provenance:

Uniforms, equipment, and memorabilia belonging to Col. Frederick M. Wood of the New Hampshire National Guard's 197th Coast Artillery (AA), which served in the Pacific during World War II.

According to Col. Wood, the Plexiglas grips are from a Japanese Zero plane, carved by an American soldier to replace the wooden grips. The holster was made in 1940 aboard the USS OTIS, a submarine mother ship, at Fremantle, Australia.

Credit Line:

Gift of Frederick M. Wood

People:

Wood, Frederick M. (1912-2008)

Subjects:

War, Firearms, Armament, Revolvers, Bullets, Pistols