Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #89
  • Lot #1500
Lot #1499
Lot #1501

Lot 1500: Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

Mexico City Shipped Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with Incredibly Rare 8 1/4 Inch Barrel, Factory Tuskoid Grips and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2023

Lot 1500: Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

Mexico City Shipped Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with Incredibly Rare 8 1/4 Inch Barrel, Factory Tuskoid Grips and Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2023

Estimated Price: $16,000 - $25,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Mexico City Shipped Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with Incredibly Rare 8 1/4 Inch Barrel, Factory Tuskoid Grips and Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: Registered Magnum
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 357 magnum
Barrel: 8 1/4 inch solid rib
Finish: blue
Grip: tuskoid
Stock:
Item Views: 2116
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 398
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on August 9, 1937 and delivered to Roberto A. Gonzalez (sic), Armeria La Nacional (The National Armory), Mexico City, Mexico with an 8 1/4 inch barrel, Marble bead front sight, "U" notch rear sight, blue finish and tuskoid grips. This particular Registered Magnum, number 2517, is an incredibly rare variation. It is one of an estimated eight factory built Registered Magnums with an 8 1/4 inch barrel and is fitted with rare factory S&W medallion ivory colored polymer grips called tuskoid. The revolver features a Marble no. 35F bead front sight, an adjustable "U" notch rear sight, standard S&W markings, "REG 2517" stamped on the inside of the frame, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, and ejector shroud. The right side of the frame has the large S&W logo and the tiny "Marca Reistrada" marking which was used on revolvers shipped to Spanish speaking countries prior to World War II. S&W manufactured the Registered Magnum from 1935 to 1939 and these revolvers were virtually a custom made handgun chambered in .357 Magnum, the most powerful handgun cartridge at the time. This “state of the art” handgun quickly gained popularity with law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, looking for a sidearm to deliver more stopping power, popularized big game handgun hunting, and as this example proves gained international interest. This revolver is the only documented original tuskoid gripped Registered Magnum shipped from the factory. See the following lot for a Colt Shooting Master .357 Magnum target revolver that was also shipped to Robert Gonzalez in July 1937. Provenance: The Gary Garbrecht Collection; The Ray Cheely Collection; The Dave Ballantyne Collection

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retaining 98% original blue finish with scattered handling marks, tiny patch of pitting on the frame (right side), and a light cylinder drag line. 99% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The rare S&W factory tuskoid grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A high condition, Mexico shipped, incredibly rare 8 1/4 inch S&W .357 Registered Magnum revolver that is worthy of the finest collection.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #400: Scarce U.S. Customs Smith & Wesson Model 686 CS-1 Revolver

    Lot #274: U.S. Smith & Wesson Victory Model Double Action Revolver

    Lot #734: Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 Revolver

    Lot #882: Smith & Wesson First Model Single Shot Pistol in .38 S&W

    Lot #822: Colt Police Positive Double Action Revolver with 2 1/2" Barrel

    Lot #434: Smith & Wesson Model 14-1 Double Action Revolver