Registered 357 pix

[iskra]

This is my second post as a new member. My first post included several photos of my three 44 Special postwar Transition models: Target Model, and Hand Ejectors is 5" & 1/2" barrels. Today, I am offering my Registered 357 Magnum. The serial number is 485xx and the appropriate frame area shows "REG." with 12xx. I normally will not buy refinished guns because of the greatly diminished collector value if any. But it is fairly well done, was a relatively small investment (about 15 years ago) and is also probably as close as I will get to a gun of this genre.
Comments/information/critique welcome.

 

[alaskavett]

That's beautiful! I can clearly see why you bought it! I sure would! Thanks for sharing it. Kyle

 

[Dragon88]

Nice gun. Have you gotten a factory letter on it?

 

[JSR III]

Welcome to the forum. Is the left lower frame under the stocks date marked? That might indicate that it was refinished at the factory. If so, collector value would only be deminished slightly. For some reason, collectors don't mind a factory repaint job like they do if it was done by Maaco.

Very nice revolver. I would have grabbed it as well.

 

[RKmesa]

iskra:

Looks to be a nice example of a 2nd year (1936) RM.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[murphydog]

Whomever did the metal refinish did a pretty good job, but someone went a little overboard on the stock varnish . Have you shot it? Definitely worth a factory letter.

 

[JSR III]

Having looked at the photos again, what leads you to believe that the gun was refinished?

 

[DCWilson]

Another nice one: congratulations. I'm also a guy who doesn't mind refinished guns if they are factory jobs or private work done up to factor standards. Both of my .44 Triple Locks are re-blued, and I love them as much as if they were completely original.

Original condition is always the goal, of course, but with high-demand models we should all probably take what's available rather than hold out for the specimen of your dreams.

 

[LEO918]

That one will do nicely until a better one comes along.

 

[Ed45]

I am considering rebluing mine. May I ask who did the work?

 

[MSgt G]

Refinished or not, a nice looking Smith! Do you have a factory letter?

 

[iskra]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the nice replies. My response to the questions, not necessarily in order, follows.
While I cannot say positively that the finish is not original, from close inspection there is a bit too much softness to the nomenclature. Based on this, I strongly doubt originality. Yes, the grips have definitely been ‘redone’ and not particularly very well at that. I appreciate the heads up about the stamp under the grips. When I have the opportunity to examine it, I will look for any such marking. I have not lettered it and am unlikely to do it. I have other Smiths that would be higher in the que. Regarding the question of who did the refinish: I purchased the piece as shown and to the extent that it presumably has been refinished, I have no information as to who might have performed the work.
Thanks again to all who took time to respond and the kind remarks!