Below is a photo of my 'normal' 6" barrel c. 1951 "Heavy Masterpiece" 38 Spl., SN K185xxx. File pix, quality-mediocre, yet perhaps discernible the nomenclature location. The positioning appears identical with the subject gun. Also in an adjacent Thread (above) within this Forum, discussion concerning a 5" Masterpiece. There including photo(s) of such like guns. Visible nomenclature also appearing in quite similarly close (1 mm) positioning.
My impression that the subject gun serial number does not refute such special configuration. That the nomenclature placement does not especially support it. The side observation, A partridge sight perhaps inferentially inconsistent with four inch barrel configuration.
Without supporting factory documentation, the case for non-factory alteration seeming greater under 'more likely than not' probabilities.
Just my take
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