Jeweled Revolver Action

[TAROMAN]

Picked upa 66-1 today. As is my practice, I opened it up for an inspection. What do my wondering eyes see but a jeweled action!
I've jeweled a couple of rifle bolts over the years, but this is a first. The inside of the frame as well as the sear, hand and rebound slide are all beautifully done. No need to add that the DA on this one is VERY nice.
Obviously this is not very common. Now I'm getting the urge to do the same to my somewhat rough Model 67.

 

[smith mod 66]

ohh I forgot about the jewling the trigger also had some work at some point its a wonderfull shooter!!!

 

[-db-]

I understand jewelling aids in lubrication retention on parts that slide (I believe this was originally the reason it was done on certain rifle bolts) and then there's the aesthetics, but I'm trying to figure out the point with this example whereas it's done in areas where lube isn't an issue and the work is hidden. I recently saw the backside of a S&W revolver sideplate that was fully jewelled and wondered the same.

 

[TAROMAN]

The way this one was jeweled inside the frame likely fixes a roughly milled out frame.
By comparison, I've got an ex-cop 64-5 that has a frame so smoothly milled inside that it could be mistaken for an investment casting. The action on this one is as smooth as the jeweled 66-1.
And a 67-0 I have has an awful trigger despite having had the action tuned per Jerry Miculek's DVD. The frame on this one is the roughest I have ever seen inside. Looks like a worn out end mill on that one. I think that S&W got better working stainless with more experience (learning curve)

As for jeweling the whole thing, probably a pride of workmanship deal.

I am going to order a jeweling tool from Brownell and do the 67.