The Model 36 was popular with law enforcement officers, often carried as a back-up piece. In Dean Boorman's "The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms," this Model 36 is cited as "owned by Los Angeles Police Chief Edward Davis." Chief Davis (1916-2006) spent 33 years with the LAPD, serving as chief from 1969-1978. Fans of late '60s police dramas might know him as Davis' name appeared in the closing credits for "technical advice" for the TV shows Dragnet and Adam-12. True crime enthusiasts certainly recognize the name as it was Chief Davis who held a press conference to announce the arrests of Charles Manson and his followers connected to the Tate–LaBianca murders in 1969 that defined a generation. Davis' role in the murder case was well documented in Vincent Bugliosi's highly popular book "Helter Skelter." He gained notoriety for making controversial statements in public but, as the Los Angeles Times conceded, "his real legacy as chief was a series of groundbreaking reforms that were copied by police departments across the country." He created the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation to help families of police officers killed in the line of duty. He wrote the first LAPD policy and procedure manual and formulated management principles for the department. He created many crime-figthing programs that included community outreach. In 1978, Davis ran an unsuccessful campaign for Republican governor of California in the primary election and later served 12 years in the California State Senate where he became an outspoken supporter of gay rights and environmental issues. The revolver is fitted with oversized combat style grips. Provenance: The Supica Collection

Excellent overall, retaining 98% original blue and casehardened finishes with minimal handling marks and a faint cylinder drag line. Mechanically excellent. This S&W Model 36 Revolver tied to an influential LAPD Chief is a must have for the law enforcement collector.