My Model 17-3 is also a 1971 gun, and is all factory original 3T configuration including the deep relief target stocks. I don't recall seeing any S&W factory published literature showing grip options, but that doesn't mean there was not any, or that a special order was not placed.
I also have a Model 637-2 (circa 2000) snubbie that was factory supplied with Rosewood finger groove combats. The grips were not dealer installed, it came as you see it, and the grips may have been made for S & W by Altamont as I saw these apparently same grips years later in a Altamont catalog for $75.00 plus S & H.
Neither my 17 or the 637 are Lettered and probably never will be so I cannot state with absolute backup proof, but "factory" could be possible on those ivories....imitation or not.
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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570
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