These revolvers are even more rare than their Registered Magnum model counterparts with only about 1,400 manufactured compared about 5,400 Registered Magnums. The accompanying factory letter for this Non-Registered Magnum confirms the 3 1/2 inch barrel, King white ramp reflector front sight, King white outline "U" notch rear sight, humpback hammer, blue finish, checkered walnut grips and grip adapter. The revolver was sighted in at 25 years and shipped on August 5, 1940, to Powell & Clement Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. It was returned within days for corrections to be made to the sights. A copy of the letter sent by Powell & Clement is included along with the factory's letter of reply, which is dated September 13, 1940, and explains the work performed on the sights: "The front sight has been re-mounted, a higher rear sight slide has been fitted and the arm sighted to shoot dead center at 20 yds with Magnum ammunition and the rear sight at its lowest position." The original September 1940 target is also included. Other documents (photocopies) related to this revolver include the Powell & Clement Co. letter to S&W expressing their wishes for the sights to be fixed, S&W requisition for the King sights, invoice and order. The revolver also has standard S&W markings, matching serial numbers on the ejector shroud, butt and cylinder, and matching assembly number on the yoke and crane. The rare factory grip adapter has the S&W marking. Comes with the original factory Type II box featuring the illustration of the revolver fitted with Magna grips and the white label indicating the matching correct serial number and barrel length. Provenance: Robert J. Wos, Ray Cheely and Chad Gripp collections.

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 factory flaw (right grip panel) in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine with some minor edge wear and retaining most of the illustration. This is truly the finest known, well-documented S&W Non-Registered .357 Magnum revolver with factory grip adapter, King sights and matching box. Do not let this one get away!