US marked pre-model 28?

[lonegunman]

I bought a pre-28 Highway Patrolman today, it was in fair condition and priced roght for a good shooter. It has a couple of appealing features. It is a five screw, six inch bbl gun and it is a few hundred off from one I already own.

But in the crane area of the frame below the usual part number and stuff is a hand stamped "US" . Now it does not need to be stamped made in USA as it is already rollmarked.

Could this be a Customs or Border Patrol gun? Any ideas?

 

[Oro]

I think either "U..." (county) Sheriff makes more sense, or someone's initials. It was used by many law enforcement agencies like that and state patrols, but I never recall hearing of a major US Federal agency adopting a 6" pre-28 as an issued duty gun. But maybe someone else knows of one.

On the upside, S&W letters are still affordable.