Help to Identify S&W .357 Magnum (pre-model number)

[Wogman]

1. Hand Ejector
2. 58784 (butt s/n)
3. .357 Magnum
4. Barrel 7.5"
5. Pre-War Adjustable Rear Sights
6. Reg 4769

Thanks for any feedback related to model number, date and manufacture and value...this was one of my dads target pistols and he is 'bout 90 now and I don't want to bother him with too many questions
*add pics 7th June: I am filling out the form to request a COA from S&W as well as upload a few photos that should be a bit better quality to highlight just why my 90yo dad and 26yo son are gonna beat my butt...okay next task, clean and preserve, oh yea and shoot...my goodness what a beauty to shoot.

 

[jjbrewst1]

That is a 357 magnum. Registered Magnum. The holy grail of all 357's.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! If you click on Search at the top of the Forum home page, then type Registered Magnum into the Search Site/Google text box, you'll find many threads about this model, such as this one:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/170685-registered-magnum.html

I'm sure some of the RM collectors like RKMesa will be along shortly. Please tell your father he has exquisite taste in firearms. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Art Doc]

Yup. Collectors call it the Registered Magnum. Made 1935-1939. Would likely be considered a 7.5" barrel and that may be an unusual length. These were total custom order jobs and almost any barrel length could be specified. Appears to have the original Magna stocks with grips adapter. Very valuable. Thousands of dollars...tens of thousands.

 

[flagman1776]

Barrels are measured to the front face of the cylinder. Yes, Registered Magnum, pre 27. Very nice.

 

[DWalt]

I show on my list one RM having a slightly lower SN which letters as shipping in May 1939. As previously stated, the RMs are among the most highly desirable S&Ws, with values to match. It's big money in the bank if you ever decide to sell it. It would be to your advantage to order a factory letter ($50) immediately.

 

[Wogman]

Thank you so much for the time and response on the pistol. I am grateful for the information and am exicted to dig up the certificate, as I remember it had Dan W. signature to boot. Appreciated.

 

[Muley Gil]

Thank you so much for the time and response on the pistol. I am grateful for the information and am exicted to dig up the certificate, as I remember it had Dan W. signature to boot. Appreciated.

Wecome to the Forum.

Wow! You have the certificate as well; that's great. Don't tell me you have the box, cleaning rod and SAT (sight adjusting tool) too? Do you?

 

[beagleye]

Wow. Nice intro. Welcome.

I would love to see better pictures. That hammer looks a little unusual.

Thanks.

 

[Muley Gil]

Wow. Nice intro. Welcome.

I would love to see better pictures. That hammer looks a little unusual.

Thanks.

Could be a King Double Cockeyed.

 

[JayCeeNC]

You have a rare, collectible, and valuable pre-WWII .357 Magnum.
The original certificate is even rarer than the revolver, and if you have it then the value of the package is increased.
We'd love to see more pictures.

 

[gunfish]

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for posting the pictures. There is great interest here for any of these pre-war magnums. Your remark about post war sights is noted. Do the sights have detents for the windage and elevation?

 

[g8rb8]

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Wogman,
Welcome to the forum.
1. Registered Magnum - Wow!
2. Nice looking condition - Wow!
3. Original certificate - Wow!

Please make sure you have that Registered Magnum and the certificate (and box?) properly stored.

I hope you or one of your family member appreciates firearms and that your dad wants to hand it down.

If you have the original box, tools, receipt, or any other accessories for the gun that would be amazing.

John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-Do-Well in Training

 

[DGT]

Wogman, welcome to the forum. You are fortunate to still have your dad around. He is a man that obviously has high standards and knows quality when he sees it. Congratulations.

 

[Masterpiece]

Sights: Hand Ejector Post-War Adjustable

Your remark about post war sights is noted.

gunfish,

I believe...Should you take a closer look...You'll find the OP was mistaken in his identification of the Revolver's Sights given it does have the "Correct" Pre-War Adjustable Rear Sights!!

*************************************************************************************

Also...To the OP "Wogman",

Welcome to the Forum...A Very Fine Revolver you've been handed down by Your Father...Cherish It because it's a Real Treasure!!

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

PLEASE show us photos of any paperwork,box,etc that you have as well as better lit pictures of the Gun.If you take the outside in natural light the will come out a LOT better.As you can tell you have quite the treasure and everyone would love to see more of it.

 

[mojave30cal]

Man oh man, I wish I had a dad like yours! What a super package.

 

[CDROBERTS]

1. Hand Ejector
2. Butt: 58784 (butt)
3. .357 Magnum
4. Barrel 7-7/16"
5. Sights: Hand Ejector Post-War Adjustable
6. Reg 4769

Thanks for any feedback related to model number, date and manufacture and value...this was one of my dads target pistols and he is 'bout 90 now and I don't want to bother him with too many questions

Hi-
First thing: IGNORE any offers you are getting to buy this gun. Value can be, as Saxonpig said, into the ten thousand dollar range PLUS.
Next, you can get a "letter" on the gun for fifty dollars. It is worth it ten times over on a firearm such as the one you have.

Go here to get that:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/LOA.pdf

Then you can also see if there is additional info on that particular gun through the Smith and Wesson Historical foundation here:
Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

Look for Member DOC44 on here and he would be glad to help you through that part.

Both are well worth having, and you should keep that gun. If you DO sell, auction is only way to go with something like that, as buyer will determine price. It could bring more than actual value at auction.

The paper provenance will be GREAT to have.

DO NOT LISTEN TO OFFERS ON THAT GUN AT THIS TIME.

Look for the original box, and there would also be a registration certificate. If you have these, add up to a few thousand dollars MORE.

 

[DWalt]

"It could bring more than actual value at auction."

What something brings at auction isn't more than actual value, it IS actual value.

 

[A10]

Welcome to the Forum! What a grand entrance you have made!

I cannot add to the information already shared. I know that the members here, including myself, would be very interested in more, higher quality photos of your fine handgun, as well as photos of the registration certificate and any other ephemera associated with the gun. You mentioned that your father was the original buyer? It would be wonderful if you could include some background on your dad, his career, his shooting history, etc., etc. For us gun geeks, information like this can greatly add interest and value.

Please, if at all possible, keep this fine heirloom in your family. I know sometimes the value of historically interesting stuff sometimes precludes that possibility, but this gun is a piece of your family history. If you must part with it, folks here and members of the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association would assure it is properly cared for and displayed.

Again, Welcome and Congratulations!