Offered here is one of perhaps six or fewer Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum Transitional Post-war revolvers manufactured with barrel lengths of 8 inches or longer. This example has an 8 3/8 inch barrel. The revolver has additional significance in that its original owner was U.S. Army Major General Julian Hatcher (1888-1963). Highlights from his career in the Army (1909-1946) include setting up the Army's first machine gun school, developing a modification to Model 1903 rifle receivers dubbed the "Hatcher Hole," which allowed gases to safety escape a ruptured case without causing injury to the user, and worked closely with Springfield Armory to resolve early problems with the M1 Garand rifle. He authored seminal firearm technical books that included "Hatcher's Notebook," "Book of the Garand," "Pistols and Revolvers and Their Uses," and "Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers" and served as Technical Editor of the National Rifle Association's American Rifleman magazine. His theoretical Hatcher Scale is considered the first attempt at creating a formula to determine the stopping power of a handgun cartridge, and he was an early pioneer in firearm and ammunition forensics. His work continues to influence our understanding of firearms and their mechanics. The accompanying factory letter confirms that this revolver was shipped on June 29, 1948, and delivered to Major General Julian Hatcher of Washington, D.C. The letter does not list the configuration. "JULIAN S. HATCHER" is factory engraved on the right side plate, along with the standard S&W factory markings. The revolver is identified by serial number, barrel length and engraving as having belonged to Hatcher in Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" (page 135). It has a King red post front sight, adjustable square notch rear sight, casehardened checkered hammer and serrated trigger and Magna grips. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, ejector shroud and cylinder. The right grip panel has the number "72054." The matching assembly number "10932" is stamped on the yoke and crane. Comes with the original factory gold box that is numbered to the gun, dry fire practice target and "Helpful Hints" pamphlet. Note that the box lid ends correctly list the finish and 8 3/8 inch barrel. Provenance: Ray Cheely Collection, Chad Gripp Collection.

Excellent plus. The revolver retains over 99% original blue finish showing a cylinder drag line. 99% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are excellent with a couple of blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine showing some minor edge wear. This high conditioned Smith & Wesson rarity presented to renowned firearms author Major General Julian Hatcher would be a magnificent edition to even the most advanced S&W Magnum collections. Only for the serious collector!