K-22/40 Masterpiece Box

[S&W HE]

My K-22 Hand Ejector First Model (K-22 Outdoorsman) and K-22 Hand Ejector Second Model (K22/40 Masterpiece) came to me in red factory boxes. Other than the leftover Christmas decorations and the labels on the bottom of the boxes, the markings are identical.

Three questions for the Forum Experts:

1. Did S&W make a separately labeled box, perhaps labeled K-22/40 Masterpiece, or did they use the earlier K-22 Outdoorsman boxes like I have?
(I realize that the factory often used what was on hand at the time.)

2. Do you think the K-22/40 sticker on the bottom of the box is a factory marking serving the same purpose as the grease pencil markings on later factory boxes?

3. Is there a safe way to remove the old Christmas stickers without damaging the box?

[GF]

"3. Is there a safe way to remove the old stickers without damaging the box? "
Yeah, but not the damage to the value of your package.

bdg is right. Leave it be.

GF

[Walter Rego]

I would try squirting some lighter fluid on the stickers on the top of the box, waiting a few moments and seeing if you can lift the sticker off with a fingernail. You may need to give it a couple more small squirts between the sticker and the box surface when it starts to lift. Go slow.
I have removed old tape and the residue on boxes with no damage, the lighter fluid generally evaporates quickly and doesn't remove the color.
BUT I have not done it on a red box either, so test it on a hidden area first !

[MAG-NUM]

I believe Dave is referring to the Christmas package stickers on the lid of the box. I have had some luck with Goo-Gone and a Q-Tip if they are the pressure sensitive type stickers. If they are lick em' and stick em' type, you may be able to loosen them with a cotton ball dipped in hot water and squeezed out and then letting it dampen the sticker a bit. Just take your time and try a small part at first. Good luck and great looking guns. Bob

[Keith Brown]

Although I'm not much into boxes I do know that those are worth at least several bucks apiece, I would contact someone in the restoration business for advice before doing anything myself. Try this place Antique Toy Repair - Randy's Toy Shop - Quality First Antique Toy Restoration Inc.
The stickers have been there a long time, no need to hurry into it. Just my two cents.

Keith

[RKmesa]

Originally Posted by S&W HE

1. Did S&W make a separately labeled box, perhaps labeled K-22/40 Masterpiece, or did they use the earlier K-22 Outdoorsman boxes like I have?
(I realize that the factory often used what was on hand at the time.)

2. Do you think the K-22/40 sticker on the bottom of the box is a factory marking serving the same purpose as the grease pencil markings on later factory boxes?

I have a similar box for my early K-22 Masterpiece (aka K-22-40). They are great guns!

[S&W HE]

The stickers have been there a long time, no need to hurry into it.

Exactly Keith! You can probably tell I've haven't been in a hurry... I've owned those K-22s since 1975.

Thanks all for the information and recommendations.

[gjamison]

a little steam my lift them also. it has worked for me
in the past....

[jcelect]

Hey Dave
The hair dryer as suggested by bdGreen is the way I use to remove unwanted pressure adhesive labels. Only I apply the heat directly to the sticker and I keep testing the area by touching it with my finger, if it's too hot to touch then stop applying the heat!
jcelect SWCA#LM723