Originally Posted by handejector

I don't think we'll ever know.
I do suspect this is the the FIRST 3-1/2" Pre-27 his shop received, but maybe not.
Maybe he kept it, maybe he sold it. Maybe he kept it for awhile and sold it. I don't know.

With the help of others, notably our member JayCeeNC, I've built a small database of early shipped 3-1/2's. I have only seen one other that is earlier.

Here you are-
__________________________
Early 1950 Model 357 Mags

All are 3.5” unless noted:
SH = Speed hammer
ST = Semi Target

By Date
S75514 – Nov-1949 Barrel length unknown to me
S75523 – Jan-1950 B.R.
S75947 – Feb 10, 1950 SH This Gun
S75581 – Mar 8, 1950
S75866 – Mar- 1950 Holster wear, SH
S75952 – April- 1950
S75935 – May 10, 1950
S76311 – May 26, 1950 3.5 Blue SH? letter
S75929 – June 28, 1950 SH 3.5 Blue letter
S75867 – July 20, 1950, SH
S77125 – Aug 23, 1950 ST Hammer Letter Pic
S75855 – Sept, 1950 Reblue
S79524 – Sept 21, 1950 Barrel length unknown to me

By Serial Number
S75514 – Nov-1949 Barrel length unknown to me
S75523 – Jan-1950 B.R.
S75581 – Mar 8, 1950
S75855 – Sept, 1950 Reblue
S75866 – Mar- 1950 Holster wear, SH
S75867 – July 20, 1950 SH
S75929 – June 28, 1950 SH 3.5 Blue letter
S75935 – May 10, 1950
S75947 – Feb 10, 1950 SH This Gun
S75952 – April- 1950
S76311 – May 26, 1950 3.5 Blue SH? letter
S77125 – Aug 23, 1950 ST Hammer Letter Pic
S79524 – Sept 21, 1950 Barrel length unknown to me