Offered here is an incredibly interesting S&W Registered Magnum Revolver with factory letter, S&W Historical Foundation letter and associated documents confirming its fascinating history. The factory letter lists this revolver with a 5 inch barrel (currently 6 inches), Sheard gold bead front sight (currently a King blade sight on a mirror base), square notch rear sight, blue finish, and checkered walnut Magna grips when shipped on August 2, 1938, and delivered to Will S. Wood, Deputy Commissioner, Treasury Department, Bureau of Narcotics, Washington, DC. The S&W Historical Foundation paperwork includes copies of the original sales invoice, order letters and confirmation of receipt. As confirmed by the documents, this gun was ordered directly for the Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics Harry J. Anslinger (1892-1975). Commissioner Anslinger originally ordered this Registered Magnum in 1938 and per the included June 6, 1946 dated note in the S&WHF documents had the front sight repaired at no charge at that time. This is likely when the matching numbered barrel was changed at the factory to the current 6 inch length. The revolver has standard S&W markings with "REG. 2899" stamped on the inside of the frame, right grip numbered to a different gun ("58845") and matching serial numbers are found on the butt, cylinder and factory replacement barrel. Comes with a correct period Registered Magnum box, Bustible Bullseyes pamphlet and unused UMC paper target. Anslinger is widely credited with shaping America’s domestic and international drug polices and had great influence over drug policies enacted by foreign nations. From 1917 to 1928, he traveled the globe working for various military and police organizations stopping the flow of international drug trafficking. By 1929 Anslinger had returned to the U.S. and became the assistant commissioner in the United States Treasury Department's Bureau of Prohibition. At this time, prohibition and narcotic agencies were gripped by corruption and scandal leading to reorganizations that favored the perceived honest and incorruptible Anslinger to advance his own political stature. In 1930, Anslinger, who was then 38 years old, was appointed the first commissioner of the Treasury's Federal Bureau of Narcotics and given a budget of $100,000 to use against the criminal underworld. He retired in 1964.

Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened finishes showing very slight wear at the sides of the muzzle, a light cylinder drag line, limited handing evidence and crisp grip checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. The box is good with tape repair, some staining and wear. It would be extremely difficult to upgrade this Registered Magnum both in condition and historical significance.