The serial number places it to just before the Second World War started, and S&W was building revolvers chambered in .38 S&W (not .38 Special.) for the British. They were also making 2" barrels in .38 Special, but "Smith & Wesson; 38 S&W Special Ctg" was stamped on the left side of the barrel in small letters in two rows and the barrel did have an ejector rod lug.
Following the war, many if not most of these revolvers were rechambered to .38 Special, which made them easier to sell, but was a bad idea. This left a 2-step chamber that was oversized at the back, and sometimes cases would split when they were fired. The bore diameter was also .360 (on average) rather then .358" which was the standard for .38 Special.
When in their original condition they are becoming valuable as collector's items. When cut down and rechambered their value is substantially diminished. As a shooter it will probably be a bust unless it is fitted with a new cylinder and barrel (4 inches or longer to match the ejector rod), but this can be expensive.
If you can get your money back I would, unless you want to make a project out of it.
Edit to add: S&W never made a snub-nose .38 Special revolver that didn't have a lug on the bottom of the barrel to lock the ejector rod. Therefore any revolvers you find that doesn't have a lug have barrels that were cut down from a longer length. Part of the reason for the nickel/chrome finish was to hide the solder job when the front sight was put back on.