Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! That is a .38 Double Action, 3rd Model from around 1890. Can't really help with the engraving because, as Masterpiece has already pointed out, we don't see it very often. I don't think an Historian's letter is going to tell you anything about the engraving because it was likely done aftermarket and not by the factory. There are some pretty savvy experts on the forum who may be able to tell you more than Roy can from his records. Roy may be able to recognize the work as he has been doing this for a very long time. I would hold off sending $75 until after I had exhausted the talent here.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629