I’ve got two 38 cal Detective Specials. The oldest was my Dad’s off duty weapon circa 55. Mine, which I bought from a CIC agent who had it in Turkey in the late 50s, was my back up gun in the 70s. Both shoot accurately today. I only use standard pressure rounds now albeit I still have a few boxes of 110 gr Super Vels. One has the original walnut grips on it, the other a set of rosewood grips.
Where was your dad a cop, if you don’t mind me asking?