Sorry no pics. I came a cross a model 15-1 which was a satin finish stainless steel. The ampersand was the standard, not 'pot bellied' like seen on older Smiths. Vendor said he had it letter'd (didn't show it to me), was a prototype & came with an $1800 asking price tag. Any inputs on a SS 15-1 (I know 15's came nickel'd but this wasn't nickel). I did open the crane & the 15-1 was present. TIA

The 4th ed. of the Smith and Wesson Catalog says the following concerning some 15-1 stainless revolvers. "20 Model 15s made in stainless steel: Featured as experimental products to show the durability of stainless steel handguns in the early part of 1960 in a serial range from approximately K397810 to K397830. Of these only 6 were known to have been shipped. #21 to Carl Hellstrom in 1960, #23 to President James Olberg in 1974, #25 to H.H. Harris in 1963, #26 and 28 to Jesse Harp, #27 to President Bill Gunn in 1965 and on to the police commissioner in St. Lucia. The others are whereabouts unknown."
If the revolver you were looking at is within this serial number series, you are, indeed, looking at a prototype.

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Ed

I think you need to see the letter.

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Tony

If it doesn't fit the criteria that OldChief set out, then you most likely have a hard-chromed refinished gun. I think I'd expect that before I'd expect a "prototype," mostly because I would think a proto would bring much more than $1800. If it's refinished, I wouldn't go over $500, personally.