This post will show boxes of various ages that are what I consider near mint to mint for their age. I will also point out the things to look for to verify originality. I am sure I will miss some things, so feel free to add to what I post.

The first box dates to November 1955 and is for a 1950 44 Target with a 4-inch barrel. The box has minor wear on the corners and on one of the ends, but looks great for being nearly sixty-one years young!!







The second box dates to 1953 and is for a 1950 45 Target with a 6 1/2-inch barrel. This box is in great shape for its age, but does have some spots on the top.







The third box is pre-WW II for a ".357" Magnum. Discoloration on the top and edge wear.



The fourth box dates to 1970 and is for one of the first 100 Model 66s. Note the end label is read when the box is upside down.





The last box is for a 19-4 dating to around 1980.

Bill, as all ways, thanks for the education. Appreciate it and a little more info for the new guys. Best Mike

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

To the top.

I have only two boxes in my collection and only one in hand at the moment. This box came with a '52 Combat Masterpiece that I acquired last spring. Not numbered to the gun, no serial at all on the bottom. This is about learning for me, any thoughts appreciated.

Regards,
Bruce

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Regards,
Bruce

Bruce...the box looks correct for the model you have. It may not be original to the revolver, as the serial number is usually written on the bottom of the box in black grease pencil.

Bill

I truly appreciate the information related to boxes. Please keep it coming! In light of fakes being produced now, this will become more important as time marches on. I am looking forward to information related to discerning 'real' from 'repro' related to S&W boxes. The folks on Colt forums have been dealing with this for a couple of years now and revealing the differences. Hopefully we will be able to do the same here soon. It just amazes me how folks will buy a rare one-of-a-kind box for hundreds of dollars on eBay from a listing where there are already something like 25 of them sold and lots remaining available. These things will soon be presented to collectors with the assumption that they are authentic.

Thank you Doc 44! Finally some sense in this world! The way to defeat the fake box makers is to show real boxes! Knowledge is power! Sooner or later some misguided person will say that giving box details "Only Helps the Fakers!" Nothing could be further from the truth. The fakers already know what to do just fine, they are just unable to accomplish it now a days with different manufacturing techniques and materials! Knowledge is power is what the Colt Historian Lowell Pauli told me and he is right...............

Doc do you have any early combat magnum boxes that you could show? I have seen the Clam Shell combat magnum case its amazing. I have never seen one of those come up for sale either. I am trying to learn more about the earlier Combat Magnum boxes ( blued & nickel) for the four inch revolvers. I recently purchased a 19-2 that came with a box but I think the box it came with is for a earlier combat magnum. I find the red nickel label interesting. I beleive it's a legit factory label but it really doesn't matter what I believe. It either is or is not.

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S&WCA #3012

Your overstickered nickel box is correct in my opinion. The earliest Combat Magnum box I have dates to 1960. I will post a photo of it if it will help. Let me know.

Bill