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.

 

[JP@AK]

A .38 Combat Masterpiece that probably shipped late in the year 1956. It has the four-screw frame.

The stocks are aftermarket, perhaps made by Franzite.

I suggest you do something about the rust forming on the grip frame (edge of the backstrap). A bit of Kroil or solvent along with fine bronze or copper wool would do wonders.

 

[Engine49guy]

The combination of the older style high speed hammer with a 4 screw frame generally is a good hint it is an early production 4 screw as the supply of the older style hammers dwindled (S&W didnt throw away perfectly good parts folks) they were replaced fairly quickly with the new semi target hammer.
And just like that the Iconic S&W High Speed hammer dissappears at the dawn of the 4 screw frame.

An interesting side note is that although the very first model to appear with the new 4 screw frame was the Combat Magnum which was advertised in late 1955 and began shipping in 1956.
Since it was the first 4 screw ,
(No Combat Magnum had a 5 screw frame ) interestingly none shipped with the High Speed hammer although clearly plenty were still left as evidenced by the OP's gun.
My guess is since it was their new flagship they wanted it sporting the sexy wide target hammer and brand new style "semi" target hammer, Iirc it was also the first K frame to come standard with the then new "Football relieved" target stocks.