I recently purchased a transitional 90%+ 4" M&P # S9004xx and would like to find a period correct box for it. Would that be maroon or gold?
Thanks.

I owned and M&P in your serial number range and it was shipped in a maroon box.

Bill

Thanks, Doc
As always, you offer a wealth of knowledge we can never repay.

Doc,

Are you referring to the maroon box that is "hinged" in the back ... or was this box discontinued prior to the war?

Thanks, Jerry

Jerry...a two piece box. The hinged boxes are much earlier than the one Rugskipper needs. I am not sure when they were discontinued, but certainly before WWII (although my knowledge about them is very limited).

Bill

I have S8834xx that has a gold picture box numbered in grease pencil to the gun. I am certainly not an expert, but I think yours is a little late for the maroon box.

Rugskipper...Dave is most likely correct since he has an example that is close to your gun. I looked for the serial number and shipping date of mine (I sold it several years ago) and could not find either. It was probably a year or two earlier than yours. I would go with the gold box.

Bill

Thanks to all!

quote:

Originally posted by bigolddave:
I have S8834xx that has a gold picture box numbered in grease pencil to the gun. I am certainly not an expert, but I think yours is a little late for the maroon box.

My M&P is S9227XX. I've got a gold box.

I agree with Dave. Examples I have had with numbers close to S900XXX have all been in gold boxes, however with S&Ws, one can never be exactly sure. Ed.

For whatever it's worth:
S 829071: Maroon box
S 962592 (shipped Dec. 16, 1947): Gold box

Dare we say it could be either one?

quote:

Originally posted by Rugskipper:
Dare we say it could be either one?

Yeah, I think it's a definite "maybe."