If we're talking about ancestors here, the Patriarch of the N-frame Clan is the Triple Lock. The 38-44 HD would be Jacob to the TL's Abraham.

As for the 38 Super, it was (at the time) Colt's desperate attempt to stay relevant with the Government Model semi-auto pistol. At the time, S&W wasn't making much of an effort at the rather small semi-auto market (at least for LEOs) so it would make sense that they would choose to develop a super revolver for the LEO community and that it would be based on the existing 38 Special and their large frame that had served them so well. The HD and then 357 make perfect sense in that light, and of course S&W never resorted to the 38 Stupor! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Froggie

PS I still wouldn''t mind owning a Triple Lock to fullfil that particular fantasy of S&W collectors!