The first production firearms chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge, the Magnum set a new standard in firepower and accuracy. Each Registered Magnum was built to the specifications of the buyer, then registered by number to the owner by Douglas Wesson himself, the then Vice President of Smith & Wesson. This particular Magnum, number 3,816, was one of 54 shipped to the State of Mississippi, Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Ms. to arm the first 53 members of the newly formed Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol which began on Monday morning June 20, 1938. The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial and registered number, that it was shipped with a 5 inch barrel, Baughman quick draw front sight, square notch rear sight, hump back hammer, blue finish, butt swivel and checkered walnut grips with grip adapters and that it was shipped from the factory on June 2, 1938 and delivered to the State of Mississippi, Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Ms. The revolver has the standard markings, the aforementioned sights and is fitted with checkered walnut grips with S&W medallions. The grip adapters and butt swivel have been removed sometime over the years. The revolver also comes with a Mississippi State Drivers Manual which has the history of the start of the Mississippi State Patrol.

Good. The revolver retains 80% original blue finish with brown patina on the grip straps, some heavy muzzle wear and scattered minor flaking and some minor oxidation. The grips are about good, both panels show moderate to heavy wear and the left panel has been revarnished. The markings are clear. The action is fine. This was a service revolver that saw some substantial use, but not abuse, that has the historic significance of being the service revolver for one of the first ever members of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.