Help Id'ing a gun

[tayloaw]

So,

After my dad passed last year- my grandfather's gun collection passed into my hands. Most of it is readily identifiable: several Colt .38s; a trap door Springfield, etc. - the only item one that I haven't run into before is as follows.
Hand Ejector
Serial Number S 735XX
.38 special caliber
I believe it is an N-Frame (it is heavier than most of the other .38s I have floating around)
4" barrel, with Fixed Sights
No model number
Does have a strain screw

Any help identifying model number and approximate year would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance!

 

[moosedog]

Sorry about your father. He had good taste in firearms.
That is what as referred to as a 38/44 Heavy Duty or also known as a pre model 20 which would have come after 1957 when model numbers were applied. It is a fixed sight 38 Special on a N frame (large frame)
Yours appears to be a transitional variation which means it was made some time in the late 40's or early 50's as noted by the configuration of the hammer.

 

[tayloaw]

Thank you, Sir!

 

[DWalt]

On my list is Heavy Duty SN S73687 which shipped from the factory on 11/18/1949. HDs are fairly desirable.

 

[Walter Rego]

A good example for inclusion in the current "Honest Wear" thread.