Lot 1480

Factory Nickel Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

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Factory Nickel Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Revolver

Estimate: $2,750 - $4,250

Starting Bid: $2,250

(0 Bids)

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

Rare and Desirable Factory Nickel Plated Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter Manufactured in 1937, this is a desirable example of a scarce factory nickel plated Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum revolver with a desirable 3 1/2 inch barrel. These revolvers were custom built to order with the high production cost leading to the model being discontinued around 1939-1940 with approximately 5,500 total produced. In a 2010 article for the "Smith & Wesson Collectors Association Journal", Roy Jinks notes that only 363 of these revolvers were produced with a 3 1/2 inch barrel. "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" by Supica and Nahas notes that it is believed that fewer than 200 of the Registered Magnums received a factory nickel plated finish. The included factory letter lists this revolver with a 3 1/2 inch barrel and nickel finish when shipped to Peoples County Office in Birmingham, Alabama, on 7 May 1937. Also included are copies of the original order form, invoice, and correspondence between the Peoples Loan Office and Smith & Wesson, inquiring whether the barrel length of the revolver could be changed for Richard McLure prior to shipment, with Smith & Wesson's response noting that the revolver had already shipped. The revolver has the standard Smith & Wesson markings, the registration number "2319", as well as the matching serial number on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, rear of the crane, front of the ejector star, and in the ejector rod shroud, matching assembly numbers on the frame and crane, and the registration number on the frame. The inside of the right grip panel is stamped with "127090". The left side of the grip frame has the factory rework date "1.77" as well as boxed "R-N". It is fitted with a Patridge blade front sight, adjustable notch rear sight, and a later production, replacement pair of checkered walnut Magna grips with "S&W" monogram medallions at the tops.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: Registered Magnum

BBL: 3 1/2 inch solid rib

Gauge: 357 Magnum

Finish: nickel

Grips: walnut

Serial Number51338

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Very fine as factory replated, retains 99% plus of the nickel plating and 60% of the case colors on the hammer and trigger with some scattered light handling marks, some light spotting, and a few patches of light frosting. The grips are also very fine with some light handling marks and crisp 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