For a few years the Detective Special had the dual tone finish, which had the satin(Bead blasted)finish inside the cylinder flutes and around the frame and trigger guard. The rest of the finish was done in polished bluing.
Yes, these older non-shrouded barrel Detective Special revolvers are nice guns. I like these better than the newer versions with the shrouded barrel. The original Coltwood(Plastic)grips are not always found on these older(1946-54)Detective Special's via having been replaced with the incorrect wood grips. I have a set of these later wood grips that I'm going to temporarily replace the Colt wood plastic grips with-so I can stash them away to preserve them.Nice pistol! I have a 1952 and the last year of those plastic grips. Mine has alot more wear than yours and I use it for my everyday carry piece.
again nice pistol you have.