I just acquired the above revolver. How do I know it's a genuine S&W? Where I live, there are backyard shops that make fake guns. if it's not fake, I want to know what year it was made.
Other info I have are:
serial number: 839xx
type: hand ejector
barrel: 3.5 inches
sight: post-war adjustable

At the yoke, it has MOD-51. Let me try attaching a photo

Attached Images

22MRF CTG.jpg (59.9 KB, 139 views)

A factory letter or here on the forum, Roy Jinks can confirm if you give him the specs plus serial # on the shipping request page.

Welcome! Aside from non-factory stocks (grips), I see nothing to suggest it is not a real S & W model 51. It likely dates to the mid-1960s, and depending on where you live I bet there is an interesting story as to how it arrived there. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

What years did S&W use that style of thumbpiece?

Thank you for your replies. It was about 20 years ago when I first saw this gun with my father. It was previously owned by his late younger brother. I may be wrong but it was silver (not blued) and had a damaged grip back then.