After talking with a trusted SWCA member/forum friend, I recently committed to the purchase of a fairly well known Registered Magnum from a seller with an impeccable reputation.
My interest in this particular gun was due to the intriguing features it had and although the factory letter confirmed ship date and destination, it was inconclusive on the features. I took a leap of faith, (although not much of a leap considering the source and pedigree) and sent payment.
Then I found something that I had not considered. The ship date was late enough (October 1939) that the books I use as resources generally agreed that the later guns are referenced differently than the accepted classification of an RM. To quote two sources, "A considerable number of guns produced at the end of the run of Registered Magnums had registration numbers stamped in the yoke cut but were not recorded as Registered Magnums in factory records" and "by 1938 ... the practice of offering the registration certificate was dropped and stamping the registration number in the yoke cut was discontinued. It continued as the .357 Magnum until 1941”. Adding to this was how the factory letter was worded. Instead of ".357 Magnum Registered Model" that I have seen in other letters, it referred to just ".357 Magnum".
Along came the SWHF to the rescue. I sent an email request for info to Bill and Ken with my questions. Although I knew they would be familiar with the gun, what I got back far exceeded my hopes. Not only did they have the complete background of this particular RM (which is no surprise) but they were able to provide copies of the original order and invoice which validated all the features. In addition, they were able to provide copies of correspondence communications between the factory and the owner on tax affidavits, the registration process, acknowledgment of registration receipt, and a confirmation letter of the registration certificate being sent to the original owner.
Having this history and documentation is every bit as much fun as the gun itself and really completes the ownership experience for me. I have a couple of other 1930’s guns that I am going to pursue records on as opportunity permits.
Hats off to the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation for the work they do and especially for what they were able to provide in my instance!
My recent SWHF experience
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