This revolver has been documented as being the firearm carried by Chicago Detective Frank L. Slattery who was assigned to the famed gangster John Dillinger Squad. The accompanying factory letter confirms the caliber, barrel length, shipped on January 28, 1922 to Fred Knoner Hardware Co., La Crosse, WI, with blue finish and walnut square butt grips. "FRANK L SLATTERY" is inscribed on the lower right side of the frame. Frank L. Slattery was a Chicago policeman connected to the famed death of bank robber John Dillinger outside the Biograph Theatre. Dillinger was declared by the FBI as "Public Enemy No. 1" after the demise of the "Bonnie and Clyde" gang. He rose to fame by his continued legacy of crime and bank robberies throughout the Midwest and upper Ohio area. The so-called Dillinger Gang, or Terror Gang, robbed twenty-four banks and four police stations. Dillinger was ultimately captured in January 1934 and sent to county jail in Crown Point, Indiana to await trial for the murder of an East Chicago police officer. This was Dillinger's only homicide charge. He was never convicted. He escaped Crown Pont, which authorities boasted was "escape proof," on March 3, 1934. This was his second jail escape. The hunt for Dillinger was once again on and more bank robberies and shootouts ensued. The FBI’s investigative efforts against Dillinger was headquartered in Chicago, the same city where Dillinger was laying low. Working on a tip from brothel madam Anna Sage (her real name was Ana Cumpanas), FBI agents prepared to confront Dillinger at the Biograph Theatre on July 22, 1934. It is here were Frank L. Slattery became a witness to history. As explained by a New York Times article: "It was about 8:30 P. M. when Dillinger walked up to the entrance and bought a ticket, or tickets. A Chicago policeman who happened to be at the scene said he was accompanied by two women, one dressed in red, but Chief Purvis said he saw none. Passing into the theatre, Dillinger took a seat. While he was inside, the agents completed their preparations for his emergence. There were so many of them, and their actions seemed to the theatre manager and to observers in the neighborhood, to be so suspicious that the police were notified. Policemen Frank Slattery, Edward Meisterheimer and Michael Garrity, who investigated, were shown Federal badges by the watchers and interfered not at all, although they were not told the object of the agents." The period New York Times article confirms that Slattery was at the Biograph Theatre as federal agents took their positions to take down America's Public Enemy Number One, John Dillinger. Further proof supporting Slattery's whereabouts on the night of Dillinger's death is provided by an included photocopy of the police report written by Slattery on the night of July 22, 1934 at 10:35 PM. (Dillinger was killed around 10:30 PM). The report outlines a complaint from H. Spire who was one of the observers who showed concern over the appearance of federal agents outside the Biograph Theatre. The report reads, "Complainant states that at the above time he had seen a number of persons in conspicuous (sic) places around the theatre and though it was a hold up, which proved to be the shooting of John Dillinger by the Government and E. Chicago Ind. Police." According to the included letter, hand written by a niece of Frank Slattery (aretined Chicago Police Officer), this revolver has been identified as Slattery's duty weapon in 1934. The revolver has the standard factory barrel and frame markings. The grip frame has been extended with cast metal and fitted with pearl grips. The barrel and cylinder are numbered to the gun. The assembly number "523" is marked on the inside of the frame and crane. With the revolver, is a reproduction Chicago Police badge with Slattery's number (5182) and a black leather holster. The open top holster is marked "204DB/4" on the belt loop. Photocopies of Dillinger's autopsy report are also included.

Fine as period replated (inscribed) modified. The revolver retains 98% of the chrome finish showing some speckling (mostly on the top strap). The custom made cast metal grip extension has been left in the white. (This obviously had a dual purpose intended, most likely as a club). The grips are very fine with a couple small chips missing near the bottom of the right panel. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine showing some age cracking. Wire has been used to close the toe. Do not miss your chance to obtain a well documented S&W revolver carried by a Chicago policeman who witnessed the death of Public Enemy Number One John Dillinger! This historic revolver is worthy of placement in a museum!