The Registered Magnum was the first production arm chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge and served as an influence on all later large caliber double actions. Built to customer specifications and registered to the owner by Douglas Wesson himself, the 5,400 Registered Magnums made between 1935 and 1939 are virtually custom made revolvers and remain "state of the art" in handgun manufacture today. This example is one of fewer than 140 manufactured with a nickel finish and one of 869 total manufactured with a 5 inch barrel. This particular Registered Magnum, number 3269, features a Call gold bead front sight, square notch rear sight, Magna stocks and standard S&W factory markings with "REG. 3269" stamped on the yoke. Matching serial numbers are found on the ejector shroud, rear cylinder face, butt and right grip panel. The assembly number "12049" is stamped on the yoke and crane. The accompanying factory letter confirms the gold bead front sight, Paine rear sight and nickel finish. It was shipped on December 30, 1937, and originally purchased by the city of Lanett, Alabama (likely for the chief of police). The S&W factory Type II box has the illustration of the Magnum fitted with Magna grips. The bottom of the box retains the original white label numbered to a different gun (53162/2617). These white labels are often missing or illegible. Provenance: Ray Cheely and Chad Gripp collections.

Excellent plus. The revolver retains over 99% original nickel finish showing a faint cylinder drag line. The hammer and trigger retain 99% plus original case colors. The grips also excellent plus showing limited mild handling evidence and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine showing some minor wear with much of the illustration remaining. An outstanding, factory documented example of an extremely rare nickel plated Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum that will be virtually impossible to improve upon. A fabulous addition to any S&W collection, the best of the best!