Bought a pre-28 Highway Patrolman today at a local gun show. It’s serial number indicates it was made in 1954 or 1955. The sale did not include a box. Should the box i’m about to chase down be gold or blue? What year did S&W switch from gold to blue?

Thanks for your advice,

Mark

Your Highway Patrolman should have been shipped in a 2-piece blue box with a silver starburst/sun-ray on the cover. This style box, according to SCSW 4th Ed., Pg. 54, was used from 1954-1959. But with that said, my first year HP (July 1954) has a box, numbered to the gun, that is a 2-piece blue box with the S&W logo top left and address bottom right. This box was supposedly introduced and used from 1957-1966. Irregardless, yours should have shipped in a blue 2-piece box.

Well, perhaps I jumped the gun a little (pun intended). After re-reading the SCSW, it appears that although the gold boxes were being phased out in the mid-50s, they were still being used until around 1965. I have a gold box for my K-22, and I have seen gold boxes for .357 Magnums (pre-Model 27), .38/.44 HDs, and other N-frames- but I've never seen one for a Highway Patrolman. Perhaps a few Forum members that are more savvy can better answer your questions.

Thank you for your advice, HawgRider. I should study my copy of the SCSW more thoroughly….

I’ve never seen a gold box for a Highway Patrolman either. I’m pretty sure the “starburst” boxes were only used for small frame guns.

I recently picked up a 16-2 that shipped in late 1964 and it came in a gold box with an end label. This wasn’t a popular model and S&W made a habit of not throwing things away.

They also didn’t delay shipment if the correct box wasn’t available. This 6” Highway Patrolman shipped around 1959-60 in a plain blue box with an end label that only identified the model. The tool kit came in a wax paper bag and includes a flat grind SAT.

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"I also cook."

Thanks, Chad. I’ve also learned that S&W never threw anything away (Model of 1950 in a 1926 Target box, pre-15 in a gold 6” box with a wooden block, etc.).

Mark

Hello Mark, looked at my HP 4" blue box, Sn. S119078. Solid silver border,
No Punta in right corner. Numbered on bottom.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

This is HP S114081 shipped July 20 1954 with number-matched box.

HP S114081 7 20 54 box end.jpg HP S114081 box top.jpg HP S114081 box back.jpg HP S114081 7 20 54_in box.jpg HP 114081_D Wood 1954.jpg

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

Thats my my box that Gila has.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

These boxes...









There were no gold boxes for the Highway Patrolman, just like there were no gold boxes for the Combat Magnum. Nor were there any "sunburst" boxes for the HP.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Thanks to all of your messages, my search has been really narrowed. Blue box, no sunburst, etc.

Thanks again,

Mark

But wait! There's more. Here's yet another style/color. I had (and sold) this one several years ago. The date I took the photos is Jan. 15, 2005.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

I defer to RKmesa and others, and concur with their responses...blue box, silver border, no sunburst. Here's my 1954 HP and its box, along with some 28-2s and their boxes.

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What do I need to make a complete correct package (vapor paper, tools, etc.)? I have the original box and Helpful Hints pamphlet. See post 8 above.

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

Tom:

These items plus the NOX vapor paper and HH pamphlet:

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan