Ugly baby

[Dusty Tagalon]

My "Ugly Baby"! Purchased today, exterior rough, bore great. At one time, was entirely nickeled, some remaining on barrel beneath forearm.
Caliber 44 Winchester, bbl 16.5". Empty shell took pressure to extract, firing pin froze in. Applied liberal amount of Ballistol, & headed for range a half hour away, found functional.
Rolling block stamped 24, pulled foreword grip, barrel also stamped 24. Question, is 24 Serial number or arsenal stamp.
Normal Baby Carbine bbl length 18" or 20".
What do I have?
Brian