Rare Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum Identified to Deputy in Cali
Guns International #: 100552391 Seller's Inventory #: 25858
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Pre 45 - .357 Magnum Revolvers
Seller's Information
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Seller: Joe Salter com
Company: Down East Antiques - Joe Salter
Member Since: 9/10/10
First Name: Garrick-March-Jim-Joe
Last Name: Salter
State: New Hampshire
Zip: 03031
Country: United States
Phone: (603) 732-4000
Fax: (603) 732-4200
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1184
Total Number of Listings: 20133
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
We have a 30 day Inspection Period and NOT a 3 day Inspection.
Payment Types Accepted: We take all major credit cards with NO CREDIT CARD FEES! Also Check or Money order.
About Us: Joe Salter has been in the Antique and Collector Weapons business for 60 years as both a collector and dealer. Our company is based in Southern New Hampshire and we have had an internet based store front for the past 20 years. We are federally licensed and deal in all types of firearms and related material.
Description:
Serial #50097 (Reg. #1797), .357 Magnum, 3 1/2” barrel with an excellent, bright bore. This handsome revolver has all matching numbers on the frame, cylinder, extractor, yoke, and barrel, and has retained 98-99% of a January, 1949 factory re-applied blue finish that exhibits a few spots of silvering along some of the projections as well as a light turn-ring on the rear of the cylinder. The hammer and trigger have an overall mottled dull gray patina with brightening along the edges and the walnut Magna grips, which are correct, but numbered to a different gun on the interior, are in excellent condition with only a handful of minor marks and only traces of flattening to the points. The action functions and times flawlessly, and the lock-up is tight. A large amount of documentation accompanies the revolver including a 2014 S&W Factory Letter that lists a ship date of January 4, 1937 to the Union Hardware & Metal Co. of Los Angeles, CA. Also included is a sheaf of S&W Historical Foundation documents pertaining to a March 13, 1941, request by its owner, Deputy Sheriff Frederick C. Demarest of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department (CA), to Smith & Wesson to have a 3 1/2” barrel with Baughman front sight fitted in place of the 6 1/2” barrel that was originally fitted (for the sum of $11.75). Evidently, S&W was not as quick about the order as Deputy Demarest would've liked because he sent a follow on letter dated June 8 (copy included) explaining that he had yet to receive his gun back and that he had to patrol “...about 200 miles of Highways (sic) at night on a joint Military Police and Sheriff's officers [operation] and I need this revolver very badly and would greatly appreciate the earliest return of it that is possible.” He is probably referring to patrolling the roads around March Field (U.S.A.A.F.), the largest military installation in the county. Deputy Demarest did get his gun back, and it undoubtedly served him well. Well enough for him to send it back to S&W for refinishing in '49 (this may also have been when the Baughman sight was exchenged for the Patridge sight now fitted). This is a fantastic, law enforcement-used, Registered Magnum, that has a documented factory short barrel fitted, and an identified original owner. This rare revolver is in excellent condition and would make a fabulous addition to any collection. FFL or C&R
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: S&W
Model: Registered Magnum
Serial Number: 50097
Caliber Info: .357 Mag
Gauge Info: .357 Mag