Manufactured in 1933, this is an exceptionally fine example of a pre-World War II Smith & Wesson .38/44 Outdoorsman revolver that is documented as linked to three notable names in early 20th century handgun shooting, including the legendary Ed McGivern. This revolver bears a factory gold-inlaid inscription on the right of the frame that reads "From Ed McGivern to F.W. Millington". The included factory letter interestingly lists this revolver alongside another revolver, serial number 42094, which is consecutively serialized to this one and indelibly linked to it. The letter lists the configuration of both revolvers as a 5 inch barrel, target sights, with front sight being a McGivern gold bead, and grooved tangs. It notes that this revolver was factory inscribed with the previously mentioned presentation message. The letter further states that this revolver was shipped on 24 May 1933, to F.W. Millington in Hinsdale, Illinois, while the other revolver was shipped on 23 May 1933 to Dr. F.H. Applegate in Racine, Wisconsin. Both of these men appear to have been notable revolver shooters, as well as associates of Ed McGivern, who sent them letters sometime in early 1933, encouraging them to try the new 5 inch barrel .38/44 "McGivern Model" revolver from Smith & Wesson. Millington and Applegate both mention McGivern's encouragement in copies of letters, both dated 14 April 1933, that they themselves sent to D.B. Wesson, where they requested a price quote on one of the revolvers, both mentioning the hard financial times of the Great Depression. F.W. Millington is pictured aiming a revolver on p. 136 in McGivern's book, "Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting", where he notes Millington as a "most outstanding performer" and a "former pupil and associate of the author". From their respective letters, it appears that both Millington and Applegate were involved with teaching handgun shooting, likely passing on lessons previously learned from McGivern. In the letter from Millington, he personally requests the inscription on the revolver and also requests the revolver be shipped to McGivern for him to test and craft a holster for it. Also included are copies of D.B. Wesson's responses to both of these men, both of which are personalized in response. In a copy of an article by the consignor written for the "Smith & Wesson Collector Association Journal", Michael Priwer notes that because Millington requested the inscription, Smith & Wesson was obliged to make two revolvers in the same configuration in case the engraving was botched. This worked out just fine for the company, considering Applegate had already requested another revolver in the same configuration. Thus, two nearly identical revolvers were produced by Smith & Wesson that are consecutively serialized, both recommended by Ed McGivern, and then both ordered by two of his associates on the same day. Millington and Applegate quite possibly did not know each other and were only connected through their shared association with McGivern, making it truly incredible that these revolvers were eventually reunited some 60 years later. The revolver is marked with the two-line address and patent dates on top of the barrel, while the Smith & Wesson mark and caliber marking are on the left and right respectively. The frame is marked with the trademark on the left, while the above mentioned inscription is on the right along with "MADE IN U.S.A." The matching serial number is on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, and inside the ejector rod shroud. The matching assembly number is marked on frame and crane. It is fitted with a pinned "McGivern" front sight blade with gold bead, adjustable notch rear sight, a Smith & Wesson marked grip extension, and a pair of checkered walnut grips with "S&W" monogram medallions at the tops. The revolver is consecutively serialized to the following lot. Provenance: F. W Millington; The Michael Priwer Collection