Here is a 1947 K-22 with its box and some of the tools. The SAT is gone.
The wood handle rod is not original but my Dad must have purchased it about the same time. It has been with the gun as long as I can remember. The plastic cleaning attachments are also not original. The MOP grips not original but have been with the gun since the early 50's if not before.
Revolver shipped in Nov 1947.
S&W did make a K22 4" barrel before the Combat Masterpiece came out. The one I saw had a patridge front site and was made in 1947. Certainly not a reason to cut up the box.