I just stumbled upon the subject piece in mint condition. It has a lugged 3" barrel, no lock, frame mounted FP, a non-fluted cylinder, blued red ramp front and white outline rear sights with laminated finger groove RB stocks. SN is CCU69XX It also has the factory(?) machine engraving/etching in scroll patterns behind and in front of the cylinder on each side of the frame, below the cylinder on the left side and on each side of the barrel lug. Didn't desire that latter but it is rather tastefully done. I can live with it. I have been wanting a Smith 41 Mag so gave the $650 they were asking. What do I have?

You have a nice S&W and at $650 you stole it. I have a 3" 657-4 with full under lug and fluted cylinder product code 148119. My 657 is a true Lew Horton order only 150 made. I would call S&W
they can tell you more about your 657. You have a limited run gun, it might be a good idea to get a letter on your 657.
Great find, you lucky dog, enjoy it.

I sent an email to Lew Horton and received the following reply.

"This serial number #CCV 69XX is in fact a Lew Horton’s gun. It was made for us by Smith & Wesson in July of 1998 and is one of 150 we distributed."

I received the response just a couple of hours after I sent the email. Pretty prompt service.