Offered here is a Smith & Wesson Highway Patrolman revolver originally owned by U.S. Army Major General Julian Hatcher (1888-1963). Julian Sommerville Hatcher (June 26, 1888-December 4, 1963) was a noted firearms expert and author, and is credited with several technical books and articles relating to military firearms, ballistics, and auto loading weapons. His premier works are "Hatcher's Notebook" and "Book of the Garand", along with "Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers" and "Pistols and Revolvers and Their Uses". He was also a pioneer in the forensic identification of firearms and their ammunition and served as Technical Editor of the National Rifle Association's "American Rifleman" magazine. Hatcher retired from the United States Army as a Major General and saw action during the Punitive Expedition against the bandit Pancho Villa, set up the Army's first machine gun school, and was instrumental in developing a solution to the vexing problem of brittle metal in early Model 1903 rifle receivers. The accompanying factory letter confirms the revolver, which is one of the very first Pre-Model 28s produced, was shipped on May 10, 1954 to Major General Julian Hatcher. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, cylinder and ejector shroud. The factory box is numbered to the gun. Provenance: Chad Gripp collection.

Excellent. The revolver retains 99% original blue finish showing a few light scratches and a light drag line on the cylinder. The grips are also excellent with a few mild handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine with a tear on the long side, a few creases and some wear.