Very interesting Rob. Please check out the "What is a transition gun?" under the "History" FAQs
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=274&club_id=43784

Courtesy of David Williamson



Your gun appears to be missing the ebony FE tip and escutcheon



The damascus pattern is faded but I believe it is "Washington" which is not commonly seen on Smith guns