During the Korean War, brass was being used exclusively by the government and not available for commercial use. Instead of brass, S&W used stamped steel for their medallions, and were nickel plated. I have a Chiefs Special from mid 1953 with steel medallions. A magnet attracts them quite convincingly. They are not pot metal, which is most commonly comprised of mostly zinc, and alloyed with other low melting point metals, which is not magnetic.

__________________
SWCA 3297 SWHF 583