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S&W PRE-WAR 357 MAGNUM NON-REGISTERED REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
S&W PRE-WAR 357 MAGNUM NON-REGISTERED REVOLVER.
Cal. 357 Mag. S# 61337. Bbl. 3 1/2" (shrouded ejector rod) plus optional front sight having King marked ramped base with cross hatch pattern on ramp like barrel rib plus screw retained user changeable serrated blade resembling later Baughman sight designed by S&W. Rear sight is early smooth topped adjustable model with opposing screws for windage adjustment; serrated base for blade at rear. Mfg. 1940 as non registered Magnum (only 1,142 units mfg. 1938-1941; rarer than registered model of approx. 5,500 units) with optional case colored Humpback hammer (about 25% of production; introduced 1938) having serrated sides designed to reduce friction like on some early Model 1917's; standard case colored grooved trigger. Checkered walnut Magna grips with diamond center, large silver medallions plus locating disks that are in the white with patent markings; no numbers on grip backs. N frame of 5 screw configuration with right grip factory relieved for round headed rear side plate screw. Matching numbered frame, barrel, cylinder and extractor. Blued finish with 6 groove grip straps. Front sight and hammer make up 2 rare optional features. CONDITION: good to very good with older factory quality refinish; somewhat thin barrel markings along with lower right front mark; side plate very good plus. Finish has holster wear at muzzle, cylinder turn line, thinning and light marks on bottom of trigger guard plus spotty finish loss on cylinder that appears caused by chemical action. Timing is off on 3 chambers by an extremely faint amount in SA mode; all fine in DA mode. Grips are exceptional with some very faint marks on bottoms. Near excellent bore and chambers. (24-2049/NW). CURIO. $4,000-7,000.