This superb Registered Magnum, registration number 498, is one of 1,518 manufactured with a 6 1/2 inch barrel and features extremely rare factory documented stocks and engraving by Master Engraver R.J. Kornbrath. According to S&W historian Roy Jinks in the accompanying May 1993 dated factory letter, this revolver is one of only 11 Registered Magnums finished with scroll engraving and one of only 4 Registered Magnums fitted with this type of grip material. The revolver was sent on October 2, 1935 to Master Engraver R.J. Kornbrath of Hartford, Connecticut, and billed upon completion, paid for by Sheldon Marston on September 16, 1935 for the NRA member's price of $54.00 (price reflects only the revolver as the engraving and grips were extra). The letter also states the revolver had a 6 1/2 inch barrel, McGivern front sight and U-notch rear sight and was accompanied with two extra rear sights (one with a U notch, the other with a square notch) when it was shipped to A. Kahn of Detroit, Michigan for Sheldon Marston. Note the revolver is currently fitted with the square notch sight that came with the revolver when it was originally shipped from the factory. The included original Registration Certificate correctly lists the registration number (498), 6 1/2 inch barrel, McGivern front sight and the U-notch rear sight fitted on the revolver when it left the factory but incorrectly lists the serial number as "47677" (factory error). The original registration certificate mailing tube is also included. The tube retains a partial shipping label that is addressed to Sheldon Marston. A second factory letter from 1978 is addressed to Marston, cites the incorrect serial number listed on the registration certificate, and regrettably informs Marston "that there is nothing we can do to correct the certificate." Other documents with the revolver includes Marston's 1936 dated Michigan issued Safety Inspection Certificate for this revolver, a copy of the original factory order for the revolver which confirms the information listed in the factory letter including the engraving by Kornbrath, extra sights and Marston as the recipient of the revolver and Marston's 1993 handwritten letter to well known S&W collector, the late Gary Garbrecht, explaining he ordered the gun at Camp Perry with special order grips and Kornbrath engraving featuring his family crest for a total cost of $104. The Kornbrath scroll engraving covers 75% of the surface and surrounds the Marston family crest on the side plate. The special order grip adaptor and checkered grips are the same material. The assembly number "4573" is stamped on the frame and crane. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, cylinder and ejector shroud. The modern Huey leather bound oak case was built for Gary Garbrecht to house this exact revolver and features a leather label on the interior of the lid identifying the 1935 dated Kornbrath engraving and registration number and contains a cleaning rod, brush, two screwdrivers and English silver hallmark oiler. Longtime Birmingham, Michigan, resident Sheldon Marston died on November 1, 2001, one day before his 104th birthday. Marston was a World War I veteran and served as vice president of A. Kahn Associates, a renowned architectural design firm based in Detroit, Michigan.

Excellent, retaining 99% original blue finish showing faint handling wear at the muzzle and on the butt and a light cylinder drag line. 99% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips and grip adaptor are also excellent with attractive color, tiny chip on the adaptor, minimal handling marks and crisp grip checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine showing minimal handling/wear to the exterior and interior. A superb, well-documented, one-of-a-kind R.J. Kornbrath master engraved Registered Magnum for the serious S&W collector. Remember only 11 Registered Magnums were factory scroll engraved and only 4 Registered Magnums were fitted with this type of grip. Do not miss your opportunity to acquire this exceptionally rare revolver! Provenance: original owner Sheldon Marston, Gary Garbrecht (2003), Ray Cheely (2006) and Ray and Sheryl Cheely collection