Congrats on a nice Baby.

I would heartily recommend you get a letter on it.

Yes, the grips should have been diamonds, exactly as les.b said.

At that serial I should think it might have shipped in late 1953 or early 1954. My blue 40171 shipped in January 1954.

Edited to add: My lettered nickel Model of 1953 Chiefs (not a Baby) sn 47475 does not have the "N" stamped anywhere.

I'm sure Hondo44 will be able to shed more light.

Again, congrats!

__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob