According to the included factory letter, this revolver was shipped as a single item to John P. Schaefer, Gun Department Manager for the Madison Avenue Abercrombie & Fitch, on January 10, 1951. The letter confirms the features, including the installed hammer shroud, barrel length and the back strap inscription, "THOMAS F. MURPHY/POLICE COMMISSIONER, CITY OF NEW YORK". Born in Manhattan in 1905, Murphy graduated from Georgetown University in 1927 and the Fordham University School of Law in 1930, entering private practice as an attorney. In 1942 he was tapped to the Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, heading up the Criminal Division starting in 1944. During his tenure, he served as prosecutor for the trials of Alger Hiss for perjury in 1949 and 1950. From September 1950 to June 1951, Murphy stepped in as Police Commissioner for New York City; though his tenure was brief he was well regarded by the political establishment in New York, and noted has having performed important work to clear the department of corruption. In July of 1951 he returned to the Southern District of New York as an appointed federal judge, and he would continue to work as a judge until his death in 1995. Blade front and groove rear sights, with the two-line caliber and address markings on the barrel, the Rampant Colt on the side plate and hammer shroud, and a set of fine pearl grips with Colt medallions.

Excellent, with 95% of the original blue/anodized finish, with some spots of brown patina on the barrel, bright edge wear and mild handling marks. The inscription is crisp and clear, and the excellent grips show a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.