First Model Triple Lock

I recently stumbled onto a new looking First Model Hand Ejector Triple Lock. I purchased it from an older gentleman who was a gun dealer for 35+ years. He has handled tens of thousands of guns but this is the first triple lock he ever actually owned. He and his wife are in poor health and need money for health reasons. He and I often talk "guns" so when he decided to sell the triple lock he told me that I was the only person he knew that appreciated what it was and would take good care of it. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than smart!

I've drafted a request to S&W's historian Roy Jinks for a letter of authenticity.

The gun appears new. It's nickel plated with "light" engraving all over. The initials RCR are engraved just above the right stock. Stocks are smooth pearl. Cylinder measurements suggest it's a .44 S&W Special. It wears a measured 6 7/16-inch barrel.

There is no visible wear, anywhere. I can't detect any evidence of it ever being fired. It's in amazingly beautiful condition. My guess is 98%+. I have no experience at grading but from the reading I've done it seems to grade as excellent.

I'm anxious to get the letter of authenticity from S&W, especially if there is a record of who RCR is. The serial # is 9xxx.

There are 7 sequential patent dates on the barrel, the last of which is Feb 6 06.

Also, the number 108 is stamped on the inside of the crane. Anyone know what this refers to?

Any of you experts have any advice on what other features to examine, or who RCR may be? I suspect (hope?) it may have been manufactured as a presentation piece. And NO, it's not for sale![8D]

Thanks for any advice or comments you may care to make.