Originally Posted by Doc44

Special oversize stocks made of Goncalo alves (aka coke bottle stocks) dating to 1956 have the most noticeable palm swell and flare at the bottom. Beginning in 1957, these features began to be less pronounced. By the early 60s, the real only distinguishing feature of coke bottle stocks is the larger area of checkering. Perhaps a stock maker like Keith Brown could comment, but I have always believed the palm swell and flare at the bottom were artifacts of the production process. Collectors and perhaps more importantly, dealers observed these characteristics and "coke bottle stocks" were born. If S&W had made these stocks with a palm swell and flare at the bottom the company surely would have advertised them as having these features.

Bill