The included factory letter states that this revolver was manufactured in 1953 based on the serial number and that the record is open listing no shipment date. It also states that it is likely the revolver was retained by the factory and engraved as a display piece. This revolver certainly fits that bill as the vast majority of surfaces, including the front sight, display magnificent relief floral scroll engraving with interspersed swallows indicative of a bygone era. The revolver, surprisingly, displays several different styles of floral scroll suggesting it could have been used as sampler of the styles available at the time as well as having a portion of the sideplate left blank for an inscription. The left side of the grip frame is marked with a factory return date of July 1977 (777) with the factory return "diamond s" on the bottom of the barrel and rear of the cylinder. Fitted with round blade front and frame notch rear sights, and a set of diamond checkered grips with silver S&W medallions. Matching serial numbers are present on the butt, cylinder, bottom of the barrel, and right grip. Includes an unnumbered S&W red box with correct end label.

Excellent as factory refinished, retaining 99% plus blue finish with minimal handling marks and a light cylinder drag line. Grips are very fine with a small chip on the right grip and repaired chip on the left grip. Mechanically excellent. Box is very good.