28-2 S prefix re-nickel

[catadjuster]

I know of about 20 Factory Nickel Mod. 28 - they were ordered by the Florida Hwy Patrol to be given to retiring officers. They were marked FHP on the Frame.

 

[Model29-26.5]

The "H" on the back of the cylinder indicated to whoever was polishing the cylinder that it was for a Highway Patrolman, AKA: Model 28, and should receive a satin finish instead of a full polish. The other numbers on the frame, other than model number and serial number, and crane are fitting and assembly numbers. They mean something to S&W, but not to anyone else. As to the nickel finish, it appears to have been well done, but it is not a factory original finish nor is it a refinish by S&W.

This is what I was told by the seller two months after I purchased it:

“It was done at the factory by smith Wesson”
“It was not orignal nickel gun”
“It was done by the previous owner who passed away . It’s never Been shot since it was redone , they completely went thru the gun retimed it and made it as close to new as they could”

I guess the facts may have been distorted or misunderstood, but whoever did it did a super nice job.

I guess Smith will have a record of the work order by SN. I can check? Is this an historical association matter?
How would I go about finding out?
Thanks