Lot 1530: Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

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

Excellent plus. The revolver retains over 99% original blue finish showing a faint cylinder drag line. 99% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are excellent with very limited minor handling marks and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine showing minor wear overall and retaining most of the illustration. A high condition, outstanding Registered Magnum that would look great in any 20th century S&W revolver collection!