Manufactured in 1956 with a Class "A" coverage factory engraving. The revolver exhibits a near full coverage floral scroll engraving with the script initials "WHM" on the right side of the frame. The S&W barrel markings are inside banners. Equipped with Patridge blade front and adjustable square notch rear sights, wide checkered hammer and wide serrated trigger. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, barrel and cylinder. The S&W factory records confirm this revolver will letter as engraved with the initials "WHM," and that it was shipped along with a Pre-Model 27 (S164413) in a two-gun special order in August 1957. The Pre-Model 27 is in this auction, and there is also a Model 48 K-22 Masterpiece in this auction that has been identified as factory engraved with the initials "WHM." These revolvers are in the next two lots. All three revolvers were shipped to the same distributor.

Excellent. The revolver retains 99% plus of the blue finish showing a cylinder drag line. 99% plus of the case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips very fine with limited minor handling marks, a very small surface chip missing near the bottom (right panel) and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.