Was this originally a nickel option?? Don’t have picture

"Was this originally a nickel option?"

I do not think so, however, only a letter will verify its authenticity.

I do not believe the factory was doing "brushed" nickel as a finish option in the model 17-2 era.

In my opinion, the finish on the gun in question is most likely not original.

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FBINA, 204th Session

Possibly hard chrome - need pictures.

Highly doubtful (but not impossible) to be factory work. "Brushed nickel" makes me think hard chrome or a similar surface finish.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Nickel finish 17’s are a rare bird anyway. The vast majority are originally blued guns that were refinished. Highly doubtful a dull nickel is factory.

There are a few, very rare Model 17's that have factory polished nickel finish. A factory letter is needed to verify that.

I am guessing yours is some sort of aftermarket refinish job. Pictures will help.

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S&WHF #946
S&WCA #3824

S&W has done some satin nickel finishes on early 438 and 442 Airweights (and possibly others, as well), and I've seen some aftermarket finishes using electroless nickel that have the same matte look.

Something to consider: The factory never applied nickel finish to hammers, triggers, and target sights. Hammers and triggers are always case colored, and adjustable target sights are always blued, so if the gun in question has these parts with a nickel finish, it would strongly suggest aftermarket finish work.

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FBINA, 204th Session