Model 52-2 help needed

[Aussie Bruce]

if I have done it right I am including a photo of a Model 52-2 being offered for sale here in Oz.
It is a nickel gun and as you will see has a differently shaped trigger guard to what would be expected but I am assured it is stamped Model 52-2. It could of course have been altered. What intrigues me is that the serial number is A104625 which is earlier than that referred to in "the bible' for this model and i do wonder whether it might be a prototype.
Any information or speculation would be gratefully received

 

[Aussie Collector]

G’day Bruce,
I have seen the gun and held it. It is a model 52-2 no doubt about that. I have 3 and checked this one out when I heard of it before it was advertised. The gun has had a different trigger guard welded on to it, why, I have no idea. On the front of the trigger guard it has been peened and roughed up, it’s a very unprofessional and poor job. The nickel plating is definitely after market, the left side looks good while on the right you can see the S&W logo is disappearing under the plating. If you want a shooter this may be ok, as a collector, well I passed it up. I know it was test fired by the dealer and he was impressed with the grouping, which I said was what any 52 will do.

I did look at the serial and did not notice the number being lower than the A prefix starting point. Prototypes in the past have continued in the series or had completely different numbers.
I have spoken to the dealer and the number is correct as per your post.

Cheers.

 

[Aussie Collector]

Just received a picture of the number and it is correct, I also remembered that the A was used for serial duplication. A meaning duplicate serial number.
Cheers

 

[smithfan4152]

52-2 satin nickel

I also have owned for years a Satin nickel 52-2, early serial number
A105283A. I have never lettered the pistol, I may someday do it.
I do not believe it came from the factory that way. My trigger guard
is stock, although your pistol is plated you may be able to tell if the area
around the trigger guard was welded or not, seems impossible to fashion
that style guard reshaping the material on the stock trigger guard.
Otherwise a factory letter should truly help.