This is an exceptional example of an extremely rare factory engraved S&W Model 45-2 in 22LR. These pistols were a very limited production but were never officially catalogued and were subsequently produced in very small production runs only on special order. A very limited production run of 135 were built in 1978 in this exact serial number range (C883XXX). This revolver was held by the factory collection for many years and was sold by another auction house in the mid 1990's. it is beautifully engraved by S7W Master Engraver Tom Freyburger in a exceptionally well done floral pattern with a heavy punch dot background similar to a Nimschke style which covers approximately 75% (A+ Coverage) of the pistol. The engraving covers almost the entire barrel, the top strap, the sides of the frame, the area between the flutes of the cylinder, the back strap, butt of the frame and the underside of the trigger guard. These specific pistols were built on the square butt K frame, typically used for the military and police models. This is the only K frame pistol that was produced in 22 LR without target sights and it is fitted with a color casehardened checkered hammer and serrated trigger with a nickel finish on all the remaining surfaces. The grips are smooth walnut featuring nickel S&W medallions. It is estimated that only 10-12 revolvers were engraved and nickel-plated, several were released on a commercial basis to certain favored distributors, the remainder of the 10-12 were held in the factory collection unill 1996 when they were sold at auction, and are thus rarely encountered. Comes with the factory box numbered to the gun with the end label listing the Class "A+" engraving as a special feature.

As new and unfired with 100% of the original factory nickel plated finish with just a hint of a cylinder drag line. The grips are also in mint condition. Box is very fine. A super attractive example of an exceptionally rare factory engraved S&W Model 45-2 revolver.