Hey Guys & Gals;
When did the first Helpful Hints brochure (the one with Officer Ray J. Nowka of the LAPD wearing jodphurs) start being put in the box with new revolvers? Was there only one variation used until July, 1951? I'm just trying to clear up my sketchy notes on the subject.
Thanks in advance;
Mike Anderson

__________________
Mike
S&WCA #2470

This is from an old post I did about Helpful Hints brochures. Perhaps this will help some.

In reviewing my collection of helpful hints brochures, I noticed some
> differences that the group may find interesting.
>
> The "older" version (jodhpurs and jacket)shows a hammer block on the
> sideplate and not on the cut a way of the gun. Inside the S&W logo
> says TRADE MARK and REG US Pat.Off. Also the second sight picture
> shown shows what appears to be a round call bead front sight even
> though the cut a way is a model 10 with a round blade front sight.
> There is a comment at the end of the cleaning and oiling paragraph
> that mentions that S&W guarantees their arms only when used with
> factory ammunition of the type plainly stamped on the barrel. There
> is no "Marcus Registradus". There is a cylinder stop screw shown and
> there is wording under the sideplate about S&W RUGGED design. Marked
> M.J.O'M.CO. PRINTED IN U.S.A.
>
> Then we move to the one with the officer without the jacket and
> jodhpurs. I have several different versions, there may be more. I
> am listing them in the order that I feel is correct, I am open to
> corrections.
>
> 1) Same size as before 7" by 7 3/4". Hammer block now shown on the
> cut a way and not the sideplate. S&W logo inside now just says TRADE
> MARK. Second sight picture shows square type front sight. No
> ammunition comment under cleaning and oiling. Now says MARCUS
> REGISTRADUS. Marked S&W Printed in U.S.A. 7-51.
>
> 2) Size now 7 1/8" by 6 5/8". Cylinder cut a way now shows extractor
> spring and center pin spring. Cut a way picture of gun now slightly
> smaller. Sight pictures from 7-51 version have been reversed. New
> paragraph added regarding SIGHT ADJUSTMENT and how many clicks to
> accomplish elevation and windage changes. Wording under SAFETY
> changes slightly and refers to handling by competent persons. Front
> sight shown is now a ramp not a round blade. Hammer design is
> different.
>
> 3) Size now 7" by 7". Cylinder stop screw no longer shown. Rugged
> design paragraph under picture of sideplate no longer printed. Cut a
> way is smaller still with tip of barrel about 1" from edge of
> phamplet.
>
> I also have one that is specifically geared towards the Centennial
> Revolver.


As some additional information, the police officer in the jodhpurs is Officer Ray J. Nowka of the Los Angeles Police Department. In the early 1930's he set a new police record for target shooting at the Camp Perry National matches, shooting a Smith & Wesson .38 M&P and scoring a 281 out of a possible 300. His likeness was used in the early Helpful Hints brochures, however, I do not know the exact date. The later photo was that of long time S&W employee Harold Devine.

__________________
James Redfield
LM #497

James;
Thank you very much. I have some additional info from my brochures that I will add.
1) I have an example of an "older" version (jodhpurs and jacket) that is exactly as you describe except it has 3-41 in front of M.J.O'M.CO. PRINTED IN U.S.A.
2) I have 2 examples of the next one that is exactly as you describe except it does not have any print date at all after PRINTED IN U.S.A.

I was also pointed to this post from 410bore (Kris) that showed the differences in the wording of the SAFTEY paragraph but I don't know the print dates for those. Helpful Hints Pamphlet Variations

Were the first ones put in the registered magnum boxes maybe?

__________________
Mike
S&WCA #2470