Serial number

[Smithman1958]

Can anyone tell me what year this 357 magnum was made serial # 56698

 

[Smithman1958]

This is the serial

This is photo of serial

 

[JP@AK]

Hi
It has to be prewar (1935-39). It is within the serial range of the Registered Magnum. Does it have a registration number stamped in the yoke cut?

 

[Smithman1958]

serial number

yes it does and has checkered top of frame

 

[rct269]

It would appear Registration #3767 was made in May of 1938. This assumes the RM's were made in registration number order---a reasonable if not deadly accurate assumption.

Ralph Tremaine

The numbers were assigned in order (+/-). It follows work began in order. It does not follow work was finished in order, but that figures to be pretty close.

And given we're making assumptions, if this is an original 4" barrel, it's one of 282 known and 337 estimated in that barrel length. And were it to be a 3 3/4" barrel, you're looking at one of 5 known and 6 estimated. And all this "known" and "estimated" business arises from the fact the records for 853 of these handguns have gone missing.

 

[Smithman1958]

Thanks guys your the best

 

[Fishinfool]

Others will come along with more info, I am sure, but just be aware that any RM, even if slightly finished challenged, and missing the original grips, is worth quite a bit of money. They are in a completely different value class than other N frame based .357 revolvers. Better pictures would help the experts on this forum help you place a value, if you are interested. Many here would like to hear the back story on this revolver, if known.

Larry

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

You have made a great way to enter this forum! The .357 Registered Magnum is probably the most sought after handgun ever built by Smith & Wesson.

Post as many pictures as you can take. Is this a family firearm or was it bought second hand at a gun shop, pawn shop, yard sale, etc?

 

[DWalt]

The closest RM I have to #56698 on my list is 564xx shipping in 8/38. It has a higher registration number (by almost 300) than yours despite having a lower SN. It's therefore likely yours shipped a bit earlier than 8/38.

 

[kwill1911]

I would guess it shipped in May, 1938. It is hard to tell from the pictures but the hammer and trigger appear to be plated which probably indicates a refinish. What is the engraving on the butt around the SN?

Regardless of the issues, all pre-war Magnums are valuable. I believe this one will letter as having a nickel finish originally. You should letter it.

 

[rct269]

DEAD ON!!

I would guess it shipped in May, 1938. It is hard to tell from the pictures but the hammer and trigger appear to be plated which probably indicates a refinish. What is the engraving on the butt around the SN?

Regardless of the issues, all pre-war Magnums are valuable. I believe this one will letter as having a nickel finish originally. You should letter it.

Mr. Williams is smack dab on the money! 3767 was born nickel---1 of 144 known.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[bruce5781]

Hey Mike, glad to see you made it over here.

This gun showed up on Facebook over the weekend and caused quite a stir.

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