Quote:
Originally Posted by handejector
#18834 definitely left as a 44 because that number has to be in the 44 number series. Commercial 1917s continued the numbers attained in the military series and would be 6 digits.
God only knows what work the Service Dept did as signified by the Diamond S on the grip frame. The barrel was not fitted by the Factory. The crudely filed notches for the mushroom knob show that, and they would have numbered it.
The rear sight is marked "Marble's".
The front ramp may be as well.
Marble's also made Sheard gold beads like yours.
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Thanks, Handejector!
All good points, and yes - this is for sure a 44 SPL frame - the number 4 on the left side of the grip frame indicates this (read it in the SWSC).
Also, the diamond S on the left side of the frame indicates re-work at the factory and a refinish in Standard blue, and the 459 (also there) indicates the month and year (April 1959) - all that was also in the SWSC.
The only stamp I have not figured out from the left bottom of the grip frame is 72. Any guesses on what it might mean?
As to the sights, I have to admit that the sight picture resembles a rifle - very thin and crisp (due to the gold?) front sights in between the rear U notch. Definitely someone was looking to make a marksman version of the revolver.
Researching this old N frame has been fun! Thank you all for all the inputs - they were instrumental into getting to the details below - I appreciate you all!