Serial Number 301788, Engraved by Famed Gunsmith R.G. (Bob) Owen of Saquort New York and Numbered 272 as well as Elmers Initials on the Floor Plate, Good Condition, Includes Lyman Pep Sight and Side Rail Mounted Hensoldt Wetzlar Scope with Clean Optics. Elmer Merrifield Keith (March 8, 1899- February 14, 1984) was an American rancher, firearms enthusiast, and author. Keith was instrumental in the development of the first magnum revolver cartridge, the .357 Magnum (1935), as well as the later .44 Magnum (1956) and .41 Magnum (1964) cartridges, credited by Roy G. Jinks as "the father of big bore handgunning." Keith was born in Hardin, Missouri, and overcame serious injuries that he had sustained at age 12 in a fire when he was living in Missoula, Montana. Provenance: Sold at Rock Island Auctions 8/18/1998 lot 2476