Frank Baughman's Registered Magnum Prototype--Added photos post 16

[quinn]

After 3 years of lust, and a twist of fate, I got to become the caretaker of this historic revolver at the 2025, SWCA symposium in Corcord, NC.

Serial numbers 45808 and 45809 were desgnated prototype magnums in early 1935, and were NOT given registration sumbers. After a couple of months of testing at the factory they were sent to the Springfield Armory for Army testing. After another couple of months they were returned to the factory. This gun, 45808 was sent to the S&W sales rep in Washington, D.C. for demonstrations. It then went to the FBI and Frnk Baughman who was develping a firearms program for the bureau. Baughman later retuned the gun to the factory to have the 5" barrel cut to 4" and the "Quick Draw" ramp front sight installed. Baughman is generally given credit for the develpment of the ramp front sight.

45808 remained with Baughman until his death in 1971. He was Hoover's college roommate and joined the bureau in 1919, after serving with the Army in France during WWI. I believe Baughman was the #3 man in the bureau in the 1930's but have not been able to find much info on him. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[DARE]

Wow! Congratulations! A piece of history for sure. And a beauty with the King sight, the Ropers and the case.

 

[1blindref]

An absolutely incredible piece of S&W and firearm history. Congratulations!

 

[22hipower]

Glad you got it, a one of a kind treasure for sure.

 

[Heinz]

Very nice! thanks for posting it for us.

 

[DARE]

Here is my only pre-war .357 Magnum. 47138 REG 657. Also has FBI provenance. Owned by James C. (Doc) White. Doc was an FBI Special Agent from 1924 to 1947.

 

[SWSC]

Baughman

 

[DARE]

Randy, another FBI connection on our guns. Hoover was an honorary pallbearer at Doc's funeral. Kudos to SWSC. He found the article on Doc's funeral also. He is a newspaper guru.

 

[Lt.Donn]

After 3 years of lust, and a twist of fate, I got to become the caretaker of this historic revolver at the 2025, SWCA symposium in Corcord, NC.

Serial numbers 45808 and 45809 were desgnated prototype magnums in early 1935, and were NOT given registration sumbers. After a couple of months of testing at the factory they were sent to the Springfield Armory for Army testing. After another couple of months they were returned to the factory. This gun, 45808 was sent to the S&W sales rep in Washington, D.C. for demonstrations. It then went to the FBI and Frnk Baughman who was develping a firearms program for the bureau. Baughman later retuned the gun to the factory to have the 5" barrel cut to 4" and the "Quick Draw" ramp front sight installed. Baughman is generally given credit for the develpment of the ramp front sight.

45808 remained with Baughman until his death in 1971. He was Hoover's college roommate and joined the bureau in 1919, after serving with the Army in France during WWI. I believe Baughman was the #3 man in the bureau in the 1930's but have not been able to find much info on him. Any help would be appreciated.

View attachment 773929View attachment 773931View attachment 773932View attachment 773933View attachment 773934

Even though I shouldn't, I would Have to shoot it just once!

 

[Doc44]

Congratulations on acquiring a great .357 Magnum!! Gary and I discussed this Magnum at his home in the late 1990s. He had Huey cases made for many of the guns in his collection. This Magnum is also shown in detail and discussed on pages 14-15 of the Smith & Wesson Magnum Edition available on Amazon.

Bill

 

[DARE]

Randy, think there is a fair amount on Baughman at the Larry Wack website, Faded Glory: Dusty Roads Of An FBI Era.
A couple tidbits. Hoover was Baughman's best man at his wedding. After Hoover became director he appointed Baughman a supervisor and rated him in a number three position in the Bureau.

Faded Glory: Dusty Roads Of An FBI Era

A Tribute To The FBI & Agents Of The 1930s with photos, biographies, and cases.

historicalgmen.squarespace.com

 

[Frailer]

While I fully appreciate the historical significance of the Registered Magnum, I’ve never felt the urge to purchase one.

Nevertheless, that revolver inspires lust in my heart.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Jim Kuykendall]

Here is my only pre-war .357 Magnum. 47138 REG 657. Also has FBI provenance. Owned by James C. (Doc) White. Doc was an FBI Special Agent from 1924 to 1947.

View attachment 773997

Doc was also at the KC massacre at the railway station.

 

[mh51]

Astounding piece of S&W and FBI history!! I'm glad to know its in the hands of a good caretaker!

 

[dobegrant]

What an incredible piece of history, congratulations and thanks for sharing.

 

[quinn]

It took me a little while to build up the courage to remove those stunning Roper grips--which I'm told are "chisel cut". On the grip frame there is only one factory return date stamp, and that was for a factory refinish. The mark if "R-BI" which I have not seen before. Does anyone know ths particular variation of the refinish-blue mark?

The lack of other date stamps seemed a little surprising given that Baughman returned it to have the barrel shortnened and the ramp sight changeout.



In an earlier post to this thread a newspaper clipping was added showing J.E. Hoover coming to attend Baughman's funeral and being welcomed by a local sheriff. It is interesting to note that Baughman's widow Bernie, sold this gun to an Orange county, FL, deputy sheriff about 3 years after Baughman's passing.

 

[DARE]

The only refinish stamp I have is on an Airweight Kit Gun that went back 10/74. Marked R-S which handejector said meant refinish standard. Pretty sure the B on yours would mean blue. Don't know about the i. 11 76 sure looks a lot like a date. Is that when it went back or is there another stamp? I know the dates are usually on the front strap. Don't know how much Roy is doing these days, but might make a good Ask Roy question.

 

[SAFireman]

My vote is "Refinish, Bright Blue"

 

[Doc44]

R-Bi is the stamp indicating the revolver was received into the factory from customer service. I had a prototype Model 629 in my collection with the same stamp and that is what Roy Jinks told me the stamp meant when I asked him about it.

Bill

 

[mchom]

Congratulations Randy
Truly an amazing RM