Recently bought another 'odd' K frame S&W revolver.
It seems to be an early Victory Model. There are British proofs on each chamber of the cylinder and the BNP mark on the frame just above the crane. The chambers are loose enough to be .38 S&W (or .380-200 if you live on the east side of the pond). It is marked, very neatly "Cal .38 Special", and a .38 Special round will chamber. It appears to be one of many Victory Models that were surplussed out and rechambered. (Not very good idea, that; it's pretty easy to split a .38 Special case because the rear of the chamber is too wide and doesn't support the cartridge correctly.)
It is striking and unique in that the barrel has been cut back to just even with the extractor rod. There is no front extractor lug. The half moon front sight has been remounted and very cleanly, and the muzzle has been professionally crowned.
The hammer is the old style 'humpback', it is a long action and wears early 'Fitz' faux stag horn grips.
And it's nickled.
I like old guns with history. Someone used this gun.