Need help identifying Model 27

[pigblaster]

Okay folks. First off, love this site and going full in on early Smiths. Lots of great history and a bottomless barrel of cool facts pertaining to history of these guns.

Anyway, got what I think is a Pre-27 357. 3 1/2 inch, Nickel. Crappy Franzite like grips, (sta-grip). SN is S 135041 marked in the usual three places (grip strap, ejector rod channel, cylinder) different number 44901 in the crane?

Any help is appreciated. Gun has a checkered top strap and barrel so thinking maybe someone tried to gen up a Reg style magnum?

 

[P&R Fan]

Welcome to the Forum.
The Catalog says it was born in 1955.
Those are quite collectable today. Try to find a set of Magna stocks for it. Then go shoot the heck out of it.
Jim

 

[P&R Fan]

Just re-read your post. The checkered topstrap was something S&W did only on this revolver. It is indeed a Pre M27.
Jim

 

[pigblaster]

Pre 27 additional picture

Thanks guys! Also found this "N" stamped on the frame. Is that for frame type or gun finish?

 

[arjay]

Nice pre 27! Id hunt down a pair of diamond magnas or targets,depending on which fits your hand better.The number in the yoke was an assembly number used to keep fitted parts together.
N is for nickel.

 

[rbmcmjr]

Thanks guys! Also found this "N" stamped on the frame. Is that for frame type or gun finish?

It denotes the nickel finish.

 

[Art Doc]

The checkering on the top model started with the Registered Magnum nd continued through the post war 357 and 27 line.

The N means the revolver was originally finished in nickel.

That serial is likely from early 1955 or maybe late 1954 but to be honest I have noticed a lot of guns from this period were shipped out of numerical sequence and the serials are all over the map on shipping dates.

That's a very desirable model. Yes, those plastic stocks need to go.

 

[beagleye]

That gun might be worth more than you imagine, nickel finish is a bonus and the 3.5" barrel really adds $$$.

 

[Retired W4]

It's a little difficult to tell with the glare, but it looks like you got a nice one, with the exception of those funky grips.