S&W Factory Packaging Process???

Hawg Rider · #1 09-17-2021, 09:01 AM

I'm curious as to the process that S&W used at their factory for packaging their finished revolvers, particularly N-frames with presentation cases- and I have lots of questions for the Forum experts. I assume that the various parts of the revolvers were machined, fitted, finished, numbered, inspected, and test fired. Then what? Were the completed firearms put directly into a proper sized cardboard box and labeled? If it was an order and ready to ship out, did S&W grab a proper sized presentation case, box up everything, and ship everything out? What if a revolver was just part of a run and not actually one that was part of a specific order? Would it be put on the shelf without a box or case until S&W received an order?

The reason I ask is that I have a 4-screw .44 Magnum, ca. late 1957/early 1958. I purchased it a few years ago, and it came in a mahogany presentation (clamshell) case. I thought that the case was later than the revolver, and that it should have had a blue/black pebble case. But could it be that my .44 Magnum may have sat on the shelf in the factory until ~1962, and was then packaged along with a clamshell case instead of the blue/black pebble case? 4 years sitting on the shelf is a long time, but perhaps .44 Magnums were not selling very well until the Dirty Harry movies were released. Sorry for all of the questions, but maybe someone could shed some light on this for me. Thanks.

handejector · #2 09-17-2021, 09:31 AM

What barrel length is your gun?

Hawg Rider · #3 09-17-2021, 09:57 AM

handejector: Barrel length: 6-1/2", blued (s/n S177963)

larryofcc · #4 09-17-2021, 11:58 AM

What is a Clamshell case? Picture please. Thanks, Big Larry

Doc44 · #5 09-17-2021, 12:11 PM

Assuming your 44 Magnum was shipped in late 1957 to mid-1958, it would have shipped with a dark blue/black presentation case with a smooth exterior, clasp style latch, and a blue satin lining. 44 Magnums, as I understand it, were not shipped in these cases as the revolver and accessories would have been damaged during shipping. However, what the revolver was shipped in and what the overall package looked like, I have no idea, as I have never seen an original shipping container(s).

Big Larry...Below is a photo of a clamshell presentation case that was introduced in the spring of 1960.

Bill

H Richard · #6 09-17-2021, 12:37 PM

The only one I ever saw was the gun in a cardboard gun box, the presentation case in a cardboard cover box, all inside a larger cardboard shipping box. Whether they were all set up like that on a shelf in the vault, or if each item was a separate item on the shelf I do not know.

moosedog · #7 09-17-2021, 01:48 PM

I bought several S&W's that came with clam shell cases back in the 1970's and 80's and they came in a large cardboard box with the gun packed separate in a blue 2 piece cardboard box, and the clam shell box was in a thin gray card board sleeve which was on the bottom and the gun box was on top of it.
This a Detroit Police Commemorative which was packed the same as two 29-2's (4" and 6.5"), a 25-2, and a Texas Ranger Commemorative that I bought.
The tools and paper were in the blue box with the gun.

Hawg Rider · #8 09-18-2021, 08:44 AM

Thanks for the replies...I know that a Jinx letter would tell me the shipping date, but it wouldn't specify the type of case that was shipped along with my revolver.

Doc44: I guess my core question really was: Is it possible that my 1957/58 .44 Magnum was shipped with this clamshell case (1960+) instead of a blue/black pebble finish and satin case, if it had sat on the factory shelf for awhile?

Doc44 · #9 09-18-2021, 09:10 AM

Hawg Rider...I sent you a private message. Also, the case you have may be one that was shipped with 44 Magnums beginning in 1969 through 1974. (if) The bottom insert is Styrofoam and the top insert is foam rubber.

Bill