What do I have?

[WellsburgWilly]

 

[erikpolcrack]

You have a K-Frame revolver from 1956. That is before Model Numbers were marked on the frame under the cylinder yoke. I can't read the caliber marking in your photo of the right side of the barrel, but if it is marked 38 Special, I would guess your gun to be a Combat Masterpiece, later to be called a Model 15. I am no expert, but I'm sure one will be along soon to give you a correct, definitive answer.

 

[rickyt]

It does indeed read 38 special.

 

[Jim Watson]

Yup, a Combat Masterpiece .38. Later got assigned model no. 15.
I think it is the pinnacle of S&W revolver design.
Why worry about where a fixed sight model 10 will hit, why worry about breaking a model 19 with too many magnums, why hump the weight of a model 686 or 27 when you can have a Combat Masterpiece?

 

[WellsburgWilly]

Thanks a bunch guys.