Yup those pre war magnas are a huge giveaway to something special.
Non-Registered Magnum.
- Thread starter blackdeuce
- Start date
OP
I've learned a number of things as a result of this purchase. I hadn't really researched registered magnums because they were pricier than the guns that I usually buy.
I just ordered the Vintage American Treasures Series, Smith and Wesson Magnum Edition by Bill Cross.
OP
Do those features add value or just make it more interesting?
A humpbacked hammer definitely adds value. The front sight was one of the options available at the time.
45NUTT
Member
Dude!! Did you buy lottery tickets on the way home too?? 
My 2nd model HE 44 special had pre war magnas on it. I don't think I would have recognized that specifically as a non registered magnum, but the hammer and grips would ring the "Buy it then research it" bell really hard.
Glad it went to a good home.
My 2nd model HE 44 special had pre war magnas on it. I don't think I would have recognized that specifically as a non registered magnum, but the hammer and grips would ring the "Buy it then research it" bell really hard.Glad it went to a good home.
Excellent find!
The only thing I found at the local gun show was some reasonably priced beef jerky.
The only thing I found at the local gun show was some reasonably priced beef jerky.
Nice enough to be proud of, but enough wear so you don't need to hesitate taking it to the range!!!!!
Congrats!!
Congrats!!
OP
Dude!! Did you buy lottery tickets on the way home too??
Glad it went to a good home.
The thing that got my son excited was the one line address. He knew from that that it was old.
I was hung up on the notion that the grips were wrong for a pre 27. It never occurred to me that it wasn't a pre 27. Lol.
OP
Don't have the letter, but Michael Helms sent the attached invoice. My gun is the first one listed on the invoice.
Attachments
OP
I posted the invoice above. Pretty interesting. It was ordered by a Major in the U.S. Army.
Terrific shipping destination! Based on the condition of the gun it doesn’t look like the Major used the NRM in any serious combat, but perhaps you can find some provenance on him.
RM Vivas
US Veteran
He also had a K-22 that he was rather fond of. I did find a request from him for some promotional material around 12/38. There are 4-5 letters he wrote to S&W, but none mention the .357 specifically.
Nice catch!!
Best,
RM Vivas
Nice catch!!
Best,
RM Vivas
'79 Magnum GT
Member
Every time I see this title I freak out a bit. I wonder how long it will be before you get a knock on the door and your house surrounded by your local S.W.A.T. team. Being from NY we have to have EVERYTHING registered. Even semi auto rifles now. I keep forgetting that not everyone lives in commie land. ALL gun owners in NY state are criminals. We're just waiting to decimate the entire area with our high power, semi Auto, fully automatic Military grade Assault rifles with 50 rounds clips. (sarcasm for those anti gun nuts out there)
Rick
OP
It's amazing that you have that much information. Are the letters something that I can get copies of? I did officially request a letter and paid the fee.
Thanks for the information!
OP
Does anyone know what the letters CWS shown after his name mean?
AI Overview
During World War II, the U.S. Army's Chemical Warfare Service (CWS) had a significant presence and role in Chicago
.
Key Aspects of the Chemical Warfare Service in Chicago during WWII:
During World War II, the U.S. Army's Chemical Warfare Service (CWS) had a significant presence and role in Chicago
.
Key Aspects of the Chemical Warfare Service in Chicago during WWII:
- Research and Development:
- The Toxicity Laboratory at the University of Chicago became a key center for chemical weapons research, testing approximately 1,700 synthetic chemicals as potential weapons, including various types of mustard agents, arsenicals, and nerve agents.
- A sealed gas chamber facility was constructed at the University of Chicago in 1945 for full-body mustard gas testing.
- Blistering agents were tested on recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station.
- Administrative and Logistical Functions:
- The Chicago Chemical Procurement District managed records related to chemical warfare activities in the region between 1942 and 1949.
- Collaboration with Civilian Institutions:
- The CWS extensively collaborated with civilian scientists and research centers in Chicago and across the nation to develop and improve chemical warfare capabilities.
- The University of Chicago played a significant role in this effort, hosting the "Tox Lab".
- Wider Role of the CWS in WWII:
- Beyond chemical weapons, the CWS also focused on developing and deploying weapons like flamethrowers, flame tanks, and incendiary bombs.
- They were responsible for smoke generation missions.
- Chemical mortar battalions used 4.2-inch chemical mortars to support infantry and armor units.
- Despite extensive preparations, chemical weapons were not used on the battlefieldduring World War II.
- The CWS acquired a new mission during the war: preparing the nation against the hazards of biological attack.
- Post-WWII, the "Tox Lab" evolved and eventually focused on radiation poisoning research, eventually becoming the University of Chicago U.S. Air Force Radiation Laboratory before shutting down around 1973.
- The CWS was re-designated as the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in 1946.
OP
Congratulations Mr. blackdeuce! The provenance adds value to your gun. Good job on what you have found so far. Your letter fee does not cover extra documents, but you can request what is available for an additional reasonable fee. We call that a deep dive. I appreciate you being an SWCA and Historical Foundation member. That is what keeps the research going.
OP
Thank you. I would be happy to pay the fee. I can send it by PayPal. Please let me know the amount that I need to send.
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