foxfire...
Does the ser no have a "K" in front of it?
If so, this revolver dates back to mid-1949. It "appears" to be a pre-M19, called the .357 Combat Magnum.
I would advise you NOT to trade this but to get it appraised, you might have a valuable item in your possession.
Can you double-check the ser no and possibly post a picture? If you were close enough I would be interested.