Only approximately 5,400 Registered Magnums were manufactured between 1935 and 1939, and they are virtually custom made revolvers that remain "state of the art" in handgun manufacture today. This is one of 735 Registered Magnums manufactured with an 8 3/4 inch barrel, and it is equipped with an extremely rare factory peep sight. It is the finest known Registered Magnum with a factory peep sight. This particular Registered Magnum, number 2966, also features a King white bead front sight, Magna grips and standard S&W factory markings with "REG. 2966" stamped on the inside of the yoke. Matching serial numbers are found stamped in the ejector shroud, rear cylinder face, butt and right grip panel. The assembly number "11667" is stamped on the yoke and crane. The accompanying factory letter confirms the barrel length, King white bead front and peep rear sights, finish and Magna grips. It was sighted for 25 yards, and the single action trigger pulls set for 3 3/4 pound pull. It left the factory on September 15, 1937, for the Albany Hardware & Iron Co. of Albany, New York. The rare and original accompanying factory registration certificate also confirms the revolver's configuration including the rear peep sight. Other included documents (photocopies) related to this revolver are an order for one Registered Magnum sent to S&W by Albany Hardware & Iron Co., the S&W order form, a requisition for a King white bead front and peep rear sights and invoice. These documents were provided by the S&W Historical Foundation. An included letter written by Doug Abdella explains that this revolver was purchased by Dr. Henry Lenz, the family doctor, of Gloversville, New York. Abdella's father later traded with the doctor a Luger for the revolver, which passed down to his son after his death in 2000. The original factory Type II box with the illustration of a Magnum fitted with Magna stocks retains the white label hand numbered (serial number and registration number) to the gun. This label is often missing or illegible. The box contains the factory "Caution" leaflet. Provenance: Ray Cheely Collection, Chad Gripp Collection.

Excellent. The revolver retains 98% plus original blue finish showing slight loss at the muzzle, some minor handling marks and a cylinder drag line. The hammer and trigger retain 99% plus original case colors. The grips are very fine with some minor handling marks (mostly on the bottom) and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good showing heavy edge wear. Most of the illustration remains. This is an extremely well-documented example of the finest known S&W .357 Registered Magnum revolver with a factory peep sight, one of only six produced, and is a "must own" for the serious Smith & Wesson collector.