After seeing the close-ups, I'd have to agree that this was a nice nickel refinish - not by S&W. That's OK, I'm still drooling. IMHO the best part is that you have a really great looking Model 27 that you can actually take to the range without hearing a depreciating value "ka-ching" every time you pull the trigger. In many ways, that's so much better than owning another pampered safe queen as she's now a beauty you can fully enjoy. Congrats again.