Saw a gun that sold for $1200 marked as a pre-27.
Barrel marked 38 special, top strap not checkered and pretty sure the serial number may have been of the wrong era.

Did they make any such gun in 38 special as a pre-27??

No. Most likely it was a .38/44 Outdoorsman's. That would be an N frame .38 with target sights and a shrouded extractor rod, but no checking on the top strap.

Also, if it was postwar, it would have an S prefix serial number. If prewar, the number would have no prefix.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Indeed. The only N- frame with a .38 Special barrel marking was the HD/Outdoorsman .38/44 series.

While you could term those historically as forerunners of the .357 Magnum N-frames, calling one a pre-27 is a bit of a stretch