Lot 1478

Texas Shipped Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

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Texas Shipped Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000

Starting Bid: $3,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable Documented El Paso, Texas, Shipped Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with 4 Inch Barrel, Registration Certificate, and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1938, this is a fine example of the legendary Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum revolver with the desirable 4 inch barrel that was shipped to El Paso, Texas. These Registered Magnums were some of the highest quality, hand-fit revolvers of their day, making them widely popular among law enforcement, but due to the high production cost of the special-order work and the registration process, the eventual end of production of the Registered Magnum occurred in 1939-1940 with only approximately 5,500 produced. In the article "Registered .357 Magnums" by Roy Jinks in the 2010 Smith & Wesson Collectors Association Journal it is noted that only 584 were produced in the 4 inch barrel length. The included factory letter lists this revolver, Reg. # 3984, with a 4 inch barrel, blue finish, magna grips, a Call gold bead front sight, square notch rear sight, and sighted at 25 yards for a 6 o'clock hold with .357 Magnum ammunition when shipped to Momsen-Dunnegan-Ryan in El Paso, Texas, on 12 August 1938. Also included is a reproduction registration certificate by Roy Jinks confirming the information in the factory letter, as well as 3 1/2 lb. single action trigger pull and 10 lb. double action trigger pull. The revolver has standard markings as well as the matching serial number on the butt, in the ejector rod shroud, on the rear face of the cylinder, front face of the ejector star, and the rear face of the yoke. The registration number is on the crane, and the matching assembly number is on the frame and crane. It is fitted with a Call gold bead blade front sight, an adjustable square notch rear sight, and a pair of undersized replacement checkered walnut Magna grips with "S&W" monogram medallions at the tops.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: Registered Magnum

BBL: 4 inch solid rib

Gauge: 357 Magnum

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number56813

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The Jim Supica Collection; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish and 80% of the original case colors on the hammer and trigger with the balance mostly grey patina, some light handling/holster type wear, a few scattered light handling marks, and a cylinder turn line. The refinished grips are very good, appearing slightly undersized at the butts with a couple minor chips in the right panel's lower edge, and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000