I noticed right away that the letter never stated that the veteran in question carried that revolver during his combat service. Grips do not look that way after a period of combat duty , nor does steel.

Agreed that it does not look as though it was exposed to the elements of salt water environment and tropical conditions. The fact that someone went at the side plate screws would dampen my enthusiasm considerably.

In short , the vague provenance does not add to the value , and it appears that someone did a bit of 'smithing somewhere along the way.

All due respect and gratitude to the late veteran , but that auction finished high , real high.