Manufactured in 1946, this is a very attractive and highly desirable example of a Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police revolver that was upgraded by the King Gun Sight Co. of San Francisco. The King Gun Sight Co. was established by marksman D.W. King in the late 1920s after his having been disappointed with most of the typical sights available on the market at the time. The King Company evolved, providing a plethora of different sight options, but also branching out into customizing and finely tuning handguns. This particular revolver is a prime example of the work done at the King shop. The included factory letter lists it with a 2 inch barrel, blue finish, and "magna" stocks when it shipped to Adolph Blaich Co. in San Francisco, California on 1 October 1946. It is almost certain that the revolver was sent to the King shop shortly afterwards for upgrading, as the two companies were located close to one another and had a long association. The left side of the barrel has the standard two-line Smith & Wesson and caliber marking, and the right of the frame is marked with the trademark and "MADE IN U.S.A.". The revolver has been professionally fitted with the desirable King vent rib which runs the entire length of the top of the revolver. The rib is fitted with a pinned King's blade front sight that has a red bead and a light reflecting mirror inset in the rib and a micrometer adjustable notch rear sight, which appears to be one continuous piece with the rib. It is also fitted with a very attractive pair of smooth ivory grips with "S&W" monogram medallions. Though unconfirmed, it feels as though the King shop also tuned the action. Provenance: The Michael Priwer Collection