According to the included factory letter, this revolver was one of a sequential serialized set that left the factory on December 16, 1966, destined for the Gopher Shooters Supply Company of Faribault, Minnesota, a known distributor to Mid-Western police supply stores in the 1960s and 1970s and the birthplace of the tilt-a-whirl, respectively. The letter notes that the embellishment found on this revolver (and it's sequentially numbered brother; see next lot) is post-factory work, but one can easily be forgiven for mistaking it for Smith & Wesson's own; the coverage volume is well over 95% across the metal, chiefly deep cut floral scroll work with additional checkerboard patterns, a sharp checkering applied to the barrel rib, top strap and rear sight in a style evoking the original Registered Magnum, and fine single and double line gold border inlays around many components. Additionally, the Smith & Wesson barrel marking is rendered in gold, along with a set of three inlays on each side of the frame. The left side shows a ram's head on the crane, a resting elk beneath the cylinder, and a wildcat preparing to lunge out of a tree beneath the cylinder release, with the right side showing the head of an angry bear ahead of the cylinder, with a two part scene of a cowboy on horseback preparing to throw a lasso on the 3-screw side plate and his target, a running cow, on the frame beneath the cylinder. A small golden oval is inlaid into the bottom of the trigger guard, providing a blank space suitable for initials or a monogram. The grips are smooth black steer horn. No markings of the engraver have been found on the revolver, but they clearly knew their game.

Near mint as professionally custom embellished, with 99% plus blue finish overall, showing a few minor handling marks. A small amount of verdigris is present on the screw escutcheons and a few tiny dings and age cracks on the butt, otherwise the grip is excellent. Mechanically excellent.