I asked the question in this forum because I assume older guns with older boxes will raise this question soonest. Sorry if it's the wrong place, Mr. Admin.

What do you guys do to preserve your original boxes, besides, of course, not handling them (a lot)? Paper/cardboard are more fragile than I realized, judging from abox I have that's only 34 years old. Wondering what to do about it, if anything.

With the boxes it's best to not handle them excessively. They should be kept in a dark, cool (~65 degrees), and dry (~40% humidity) place with good air circulation. Avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations.

You have figured out the first command, Don't handle them! Other steps to take are , Don't keep any gun in them, Do not store them with anything stacked on top that weighs as much, or more, than the box. Do not store them where there is any sunlight. I use late vintage S&W (large size) shipping boxes to store my collectable boxes inside them. Having said all that, many older boxes you obtain are in need of various repairs, etc. If you have the talent, time and correct materials to do that, go for it. If not, use a professional restoration service. It's pretty safe to say that almost any good, older, S&W box is worth more than the gun for which it was made, so it's just good economic sense to be careful with what boxes you obtain. You don't own them, you're just the temporary caretaker, like your guns. Ed.

Ed:

I have a lovely S&W .32 Single Action with nickel finish, spur trigger, 3-1/2 inch barrel and mother of peaarl stocks or grips, shipped in August, 1878. It came in a hinged, maroon or red box. If there were exterior labels, or stickers, they are gone. The colored bottom layer of the box is one. Is there someone you know who works at restoring old boxes?

Buff
I beleive that era box didn't have an end label. Look closely to see any evidence of a label. The bottom of the box was bare like yours.

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Don Mundell

There are several box restoration services listed if you google them. I understand that this is a very good one.

Bob

http://www.randystoyshop.com/boxres.htm

Thanks, Don. I didn't have any idea, out here in the sticks I don't see many boxes that old.

Bob: Have you ever used those folks?

Looking at their before/after photos is really amazing. I can't imagine how some of the restorations are done.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Buff,

No, I have not used them but I have spoken to someone who has, and they were very pleased. I have an early Colt 1911 box that I plan on sending to them, however, I just have never gotten around to contacting them about it.

Bob

I am primarily a Webley collector. I have found that the maroon coloured boxes from the very early 1900s have lasted far far better than the plain "cheap cardboard colour" boxes from the 1960s and 70s! Made down to a price clearly.

Peter

I've used Randys twice. They are very good , but not cheap ! Typically they clean up
the box before starting to work on it. Pencil markings on the bottom look like dirt . So -
caution them to not erase or otherwise clean off any markings on the bottom of the
box. This may mean that they can not replace the bottom panel if it is badly worn, but
that is exactly the proper procedure - preserve the markings.

Mike Piwer

I wrap my collectable boxes in plastic wrap and keep them in my safe.

Box question also. Is there a source that shows the proper type of box for the particular serial number range of S&W pistols? Mark

hellboy,

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson will give you a general idea of the proper boxes for the different eras. But since the Factory never threw anything away, the transitions between the various box styles is not clear cut.

When they changed styles they used up the older styles. And since the guns weren't shipped in order by their serial numbers, you will find older guns with newerboxes and newer guns with older boxes.

Bob