The first production firearm chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge, the Registered Magnum set a new standard in firepower and accuracy. Each Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum was built to the specifications of the buyer, then registered by number to the owner by Douglas Wesson himself, the then Vice President of Smith & Wesson. This particular Registered Magnum, number 1993, is one of 1,518 manufactured with 6 1/2 inch barrels. The accompanying factory letter confirms the registration number, Patridge front sight, square notch rear sight and Magna stocks. It was shipped on March 8, 1937, to William Lieck & Son of Springfield, Nebraska. An image of the Lieck storefront as it still looked in 2013 is included. Matching serial numbers are found on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder and ejector shroud. The assembly number "7971" is stamped on the frame and crane. The type II box has the illustration of a Magnum fitted with Magna stocks. The underside of the box has the factory white label numbered to a different gun ("50996/R-1991"). These white labels are often missing or illegible. Provenance: The Ray Cheely Collection; The Chad Gripp Collection; The Doug Ellison Collection