One that "got away"

Some where in NC is a 5" N frame 25-5 with a lanyard on the bottom of the frame. It has a blue job that was done by Bowden and a trigger that was touched by the angels..

I was working for S&W out of NC and my buddy had the same position in FL.
We were the only two RSM's that were "gun guys", everyone else had a take it or leave it, it's just a job type attitude.
When either of us were at the factory, lunch times were spent scouring the old parts of the building that were not being used. There was a plethora of storage closets and rooms with stacks of old desks and cabinets.
We did find lots of cool stuff, one of the best finds was a set of two 5" 45 cal barrels in the white in a desk drawer.
My cohort from FL had acquired two 1950 target frames with lanyard loops a few months before.
We left the parts with the best revolver smith in the pro center to assemble them.
Target trigger, Target hammer, Gold bead front, WO rear.
Once done they went to Bodwen for the Blue job, 6 months total and we had them along with an invoice, 260.00.
After the hatchet job the NRA did on S&W in 2000, the lies and outright BS cost 360+1 people their jobs. I was the +1
I was lucky as I had spent about half my paycheck each month of the different times I worked for smith in buying S&Ws at my cost. I managed to live pretty well for a couple years without a job, but it did mean that I sold that beauty.

So, if you bought a 5" N frame 45LC from Mace sporting goods back when they were in their old location,,,,,, now you know,,,,,,,,,,the rest of the story.

PS,,,, if any one knows who this beautiful creature lives with now, have them tell it that I am sorry she had to be adopted out, I hope she resides in a nice, warm safe with lots of friends, with the comforting smell of Hoppes #9 wafting thru the air and a wipe down every now and then to keep her deep blue untarnished!