need help

[Jamarvan]

I have a old revolver, it is a 357 mag cal, and 6 inch barrel, but I can´t find the model, hope someone can help me.

 

[weatherby]

Well....it's the Cadillac.
Does it have a reg# inside the yoke ?

 

[DWalt]

Yes, you appear to have a very collectible .357 Magnum, very likely pre-WWII. It does not have a model number. Can you provide the serial number stamped on the butt? This is one of those guns for which you should order a historical letter.

 

[tenntex32]

I know very little about the early .357Magnums but I can't help but wonder if it was normal for them to have the small S&W logo on the left and the large S&W logo on the right?

Also there is a small marking under the left side logo of what I am assuming is "MARCA REGISTRADA" of which I am not accustomed to seeing, but could understand due to the issues S&W was having with Spanish copies, etc...

 

[Jamarvan]

wow, thanks the number inside is 5097x

 

[tenntex32]

wow, thanks the number inside is 5097x

Can you post pics? The 5-digit number "inside" sounds more like an assembly number rather than a registration or serial number.

The serial number would normally be stamped on the butt.

 

[Jamarvan]

It is the same number that is stamped on the butt

 

[Jamarvan]

just found another number inside, looks like 798x

 

[tenntex32]

Then the number matching the butt number would definitely be the serial number.

Can you provide a pic of the dual numbers in the yoke recess? Most likely the second number is the assembly number then, if the 5-digit number matches the butt.

A registered magnum would normally read "REG. XXXX" in the yoke recess, with the "XXXX" being a number up to 5000 or so from what I have read. (I have also seen the number 6000 used too, but maybe someone can give an exact figure?)

Dale

 

[daddio202]

Well it has a long action and checkering on top. I can not figure out what is going on with the front sight in the single blurry picture that it is included on. Most definitely dealing with a Registered or possibly Non Registered Magnum if there is no S on the butt or near the serial number behind ejector rod. It looks to be in absolutely wonderful original condition! We need more information!!! More pics please!! The original poster has a very nice gun!

 

[DWalt]

The closest SN on my list to yours is 50205, a Registered Magnum which shipped in 2/1937. Inside the yoke area it should have the registration number in the form of REG.xxxx. I would guess that the registration number is quite low. When originally purchased, the owner could send in for a registration certificate which he could frame and hang on his wall, if he wanted to, to show the world that he had "arrived". You might want to remove the grips and take a picture of what is stamped on both sides of the grip frame, also a better picture of the front sight.

This was the top-of-the-line S&W revolver of that time, and about the only people who could afford one were either wealthy or celebrities. Many famous people owned one, including Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, J. Edgar Hoover, and General George Patton. Please letter it ($100). http://www.theswca.org/forms/Letter_request_form.pdf

In the meantime, you might read this: Gary Coopers RM

 

[tenntex32]

I feel as though our emotions are being toyed with...……….additional pictures wise!

Dale

 

[Jamarvan]

There are some more pictures, the serial number apeares twice, and has 5 digits, also found another number goes REG. 1950

 

[tenntex32]

I think we've been had. A Registered Magnum #1950.

Nice, very nice. Unbelievably nice.

After reviewing numerous pics of registered magnums it now seems that S&W was all over the map with regards to them having left side logo, right side logo...…..or now both it seems. The "MARCA REGISTRADA" stamp still seems a bit unusual though, and maybe this example was purchased by an international customer thus S&W felt the need to mark it this way?

Just out of curiousity can you post a clear pic of the left side grip frame so we can determine if it has any rework date codes or symbols.....and also a clear pic of the entire butt?

I am assuming by now you know this is something very special, and worth a considerable amount of money.

Dale

 

[tenntex32]

How did you come by it, and do you have any history regarding it?

If you know exactly who owned it before you did, and they are still available, you need to ask if they have any registration paperwork from S&W for the original registered purchaser. This would enhance it's already immense value by thousands of dollars more to say the least. (Assuming you did not receive the original owner's registration paperwork when you received it.)

Dale

 

[Jamarvan]

How did you come by it, and do you have any history regarding it?

Dale

My gandfather passed away in the early 80's I was only 4 years old and was very lucky that one of his very best friends started teaching me archery, shooting, and hunting this guy is today 92 years old and last November asked me to go to his place and he gave it to me, he said my grandad always liked it and that he didnt have the chance to give it to him, so he gave it to me.

 

[tenntex32]

My gandfather passed away in the early 80's I was only 4 years old and was very lucky that one of his very best friends started teaching me archery, shooting, and hunting this guy is today 92 years old and last November asked me to go to his place and he gave it to me, he said my grandad always liked it and that he didnt have the chance to give it to him, so he gave it to me.

You might politely ask him if he still has the registration paperwork, box, etc.,that came with it from S&W. He gave you something immensely special...…..and tremendously expensive when found for sale.

You are very lucky to know such a thoughtful, kind, and generous person and it must have been some friendship that he and your grandfather shared.

This is an heirloom that you should keep in your closest family and friends network, and the registration paperwork would only enhance it even more if available.

Dale

 

[tenntex32]

I have this old revolver...…………….

The real Registered Magnum experts should be arriving soon.

Even if money is tight, find a way to spend the money on the S&W factory letter. If there are any rework indications then get the SWHF info too.

What a treasure!

Dale

 

[daddio202]

I am sorry to hear Jamarvan never got a real chance to get to know your grandfather. But it sounds to me you were able to develop a good relationship with his friend and that in itself is priceless. You should cherish the revolver and keep the story alive about your grandfather and his friend. The revolver is the most sought after variety of S&W made in a time of true craftsman making a work of art piece of machinery at the top of technology and design at the time. A historical letter from S&W will only enhance the guns value and document its authenticity. Thank you for sharing it and your story with us.

 

[tenntex32]

I think this just made my week. Maybe month, and dare I say......year?

Now I wanna know who the original owner was assuming it wasn't your grandfather's friend due to him being so young when this would have been manufactured..

Oh, and don't dare show that thing off locally until you have a rock-solid gun vault to keep it in......and a security system for the house!!!!!!!!!!!

Dale

 

[merl67]

Welcome to the forum! It never ceases to amaze me what new comers will show up with. What a great first post. Most like myself show up with a run of the mill Smith you show up with the Rolls Royce of Smiths The Registered Magnum with a great story to boot ! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Peak53]

Since no one has thrown out a number, just so the original poster understands, this revolver could be worth in the mid to upper four digits, depending on additional info as requested.

 

[CapnB]

Haven’t heard from the OP for hours. I hope he didn’t hit his head when he fainted.

 

[Jamarvan]

Thanks everyone for your comments and help. It has been a great surprise. The value of the gun really don't matter since the reason I tried to find the model at first was to get the correct holster for it, since I will be using it while camping and hunting

 

[BC38]

Oh MY! Talk about making a grand entrance!

The Registered Magnum is one of the two or three most desirable models of all S&W revolvers.

Its monetary value is in the thousands of dollars, and if it can be reunited with its original factory box and registration certificate you can add another thousand or more to the value.

Since you acquired it from someone so dear to you, its true value to you is PRICELESS no doubt.

Your gun to do with as you please, but most around here would consider putting a Registered Magnum into a holster an act of sacrilege, due to the damage to the finish that a holster will cause.

There is even a term for that kind of finish damage - holster wear.

 

[younggun22]

Thanks everyone for your comments and help. It has been a great surprise. The value of the gun really don't matter since the reason I tried to find the model at first was to get the correct holster for it, since I will be using it while camping and hunting

This might be one you want to leave at home and take something else camping and hunting...

 

[bruce5781]

Your gun probably shipped originally to Mexico or one or two South American countries. That would account for the extra roll mark under the logo on the left side. My RM also carries it.

Regards,
Bruce

 

[tenntex32]

Your gun probably shipped originally to Mexico or one or two South American countries. That would account for the extra roll mark under the logo on the left side. My RM also carries it.

Regards,
Bruce

Bruce,

Thanks for the clear pic and possible explanation. I figured it must have been something along those lines due to other RM examples I have seen not having it. I would assume that's why the OP's example has a logo on the left and right side.(?)

I corrected my previous posts to read the correct "MARCA
REGISTRADA".

Do you know who/where your RM delivered to?

Dale

 

[bruce5781]

Bruce,



Thanks for the clear pic and possible explanation. I figured it must have been something along those lines due to other RM examples I have seen not having it. I would assume that's why the OP's example has a logo on the left and right side.(?)



I corrected my previous posts to read the correct "MARCA

REGISTRADA".



Do you know who/where your RM delivered to?



Dale

Dale,
From the Neal & Jinks book.

Regards,
Bruce

 

[merl67]

As another has suggested given the value of this one you might reconsider carrying it, as even a little wear will reduce the value significantly. I know you said you aren't concerned about value, but think of your self as the next caretaker of this fine revolver.