I have a box for a 1952 S&W. It came with a sheet of the NOX-RUST VPI paper and some cleaning tools. The VPI paper is marked with the S&W Logo, picture of a revolver and World's Finest Handguns Since 1852. Also marked "Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor Treated, has the US patents, and then NOX-RUST Division, what looks like Daubert Chemical Company Chicago 36 (or 38, hard to read) Illinois. I'm thinking this is at least older than 1963 when Zip Codes started. The cleaning tools are the usual aluminum loop handled rod, with a brass shank brush and mop.
Does anyone know what year the aluminum handled rod started to be used, and when S&W went from tissue paper to VPI paper ?
Thanks