Absalom
I could not make out the FTR before, but thanks for pointing it out. Now that I know it's there, I can read it.
That also explains the minimal but real gaps in the sideplate fit. I wondered about those at the time I first looked. And it is why I wrote "original
configuration" (referring to the 5" barrel and the .38/200 chamber). I wasn't confident that it hadn't been altered at all (refinished, for example). There was the small side plate gap and the partially buffed out monogram. Both of those made me unsure. Appreciate your sharp eye!