The included factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 inch barrel in .38 caliber and blue finish when shipped to Verden L. Hockett of Shelby, Montana, on March 18, 1936. Verden Lee Hockett Sr. (1899-1981) served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War I and was a U.S. Border Control Agent when he was shipped this revolver. He competed at Camp Perry the previous year. Also Included is "Sheriffs of Missoula Country Montana and Their Times, 1860 to 1978" and "Bounty Hunting Days in Montana" both by Sheriff John C. Moe and a Montana Historical Society letter to Moe about the books, a lengthy obituary/newspaper article about Moe from the "Missoulian" on October 24, 2005, and copies of correspondence relating to the revolver between Dan Moe, Sheriff Moe's son, and Bill Smith indicating the revolver was owned by Sheriff Moe, later owned by Dr. Walter J. Lewis III of Anaconda, Montana, and later sold by Smith along with the two books by Moe to Dennis L. Tipps, a retired L.A.P.D. officer living in Stevensville, Montana. Moe served in the U.S. Navy during the Sino-Japanese War and served in naval intelligence during WWII. After the war, he worked for the FBI in the West and was an FBI and police firearms instructor and was an excellent marksman. He served as Missoula County sheriff from 1971 to 1978 and is credited with professionalizing the department. This Third Issue revolver was manufactured in 1936 just one year after the heavy barrel variant was introduced and has the standard markings and features of this model as well as an added Mershon Co. Inc. "Sure Grip" adapter.

Very good with 85% plus original blue finish, some fading in the usual areas for a service weapon such as at the muzzle and on the back strap, mild drag lines, and small scrapes and dings. The grips are good and have some mild dings and scrapes in the otherwise distinct checkering. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.