S&W 17 - What is this model?

[welldoya]

I was looking around on GB and came across this nickel 17, #238 of 500. What the heck is this, some kind of distributor special ? I've never seen anything like this before and the seller says nothing about it being some kind of special commemorative.
Must be something special because the bidding is up to $775.
Anybody know anything about these ?

 

[skyking749]

I saw that one and wondered about it, too. I found a completed sale that had a little info on it.

"In 1989 Ellett Bros. and Smith and Wesson got together to produce 12 revolvers, one for each month. Each month depicting a different scene of advertisements from the late 1800's- early 1900's.These guns are etched with "#xxx of 500" We were told by Ellett Brothers that only 250 of the 500 sets were produced."

Smith & Wesson Special Addition Model 17-6 6' bar. nickel For Sale at GunAuction.com

 

[murphydog]

It is one of a group of guns named "The Twelve Revolvers" from 1990. There were 500 sets produced but not all sold in complete groups. Factory nickel model 17s are uncommon.

 

[welldoya]

I've never seen a factory nickel 17 but heard that they do exist. Thanks for the replies.