New to forum so please excuse my ignorance in posting bought a model 49 no dash it is a nickle finish but somebody polished gun looks stainless anyway frame has N in triangle and an M in circle does that mean matte finish also has 3" inch barrel serial number J5044XX I wanted to find out if in fact it was matte finish so i could have it put back to original finish on gun any help would be fantastic thanks

Welcome to the forum.
I believe the marks in triangles and circles are assembly/inspector's marks. The ones I've seen that were factory nickel was just the letter N stamped on the grip frame and sometimes on the rear of the cylinder and on the barrel flat.
That serial number should put the gun in 1976-77.

I just looked in the SCSW and it does mention that 3" barreled M49s are rare. It also has a picture of a nickeled 3" and calls it scarce. You need to find out more about that gun. Can you post some pictures?

Here is a pic its a shame that someone has to kill the finish I am leaning towards the fact that it may be a matte finish that someone fooled with

Attached Images

SMITH 49.jpg (27.5 KB, 42 views)

I also find it stange that the hammer and trigger are not case colored any ideas

It may be some after market finish. And the trigger supports that. It should be case hardened.

I am going to send for a factory letter so thanks for your insight

Sure looks stainless to me. I wonder if someone had a "N" stamp and engaged in a little fakery? Sweet gun, though...that's one I'd love to have.

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That N does mean factory nickel?