Manufactured in 1952/53 and subsequently embellished with floral engraving and carved grips. The embellishment likely occurred in the 1950s in Japan. The engraving covers 85% of the surface and is accented with silver wire inlays. The grips feature large relieved carved floral patterns along with Japanese characters and the initials "JB" on the left and "WS" on the right and are attached to the revolver by a large screw. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and ejector shroud.

Fine as period custom embellished, retaining 90% plus of the blue finish with loss mostly on the cylinder. The undersized grips are also fine with rich appearance, typical age lines on the bottom, and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. An intriguing S&W .38 Heavy Duty Revolver with 1950s embellishments.