The .357 Magnum was introduced in 1935 and was a custom manufactured revolver. Smith & Wesson produced about 5,500 Registered Magnums before production was stopped because it was deemed to costly to manufacture the revolvers which at the time sold for $60. According to factory records (copies included) this revolver, Reg. # 5312, was shipped to Wilson Horne at the Police Department in Evansville, Indiana on September 20, 1939. Fitted with ramp blade front and adjustable notch rear sights, standard barrel markings, one line "MADE IN USA" marking and large Smith & Wesson logo on the right side of the 5-screw frame and patent dates on the humpback hammer. The revolver has 95% coverage engraving with scrollwork, light border patterns, and zig-zag matte backgrounds on the barrel and frame. Casehardened hammer and trigger, serrated gripstraps and fitted with mother of pearl grips. Per manufacture table listed in Roy Jinks monograph "The Revolver that Changed the Direction of Handgunning" in the Smith & Wesson Collectors Journal in 1989, only 22 were made with 8 inch barrels. The letter also verifies the serial and registered numbers, the 8 inch barrel, blue finish, magna stocks, Patridge front and square notch rear sights and hump back hammer.

Custom embellished, with virtually all of the finish remaining, showing only a few mild handling marks overall and a faint drag line on the cylinder. Most of the bright case colors are visible on the hammer and trigger with some faded to a smooth gray. Grips are excellent, with a few light scratches and dings. Mechanically good.