Just picked this up and was wondering if this is the original shipping box and sticker. I’ve never seen a box and tag for a presentation case this early. I believe it is factory but someone more knowledgeable may be able to tell me for sure. Thanks

Looks legit to me. According to SCSW 4th Edition, the presentation cases were offered beginning in 1960, and the Model 57 was introduced in 1964. Yours is a very early Model 57 box (according to the S s/n), probably 1964-1965, and should have "clam shell" styrofoam inserts. I purchased a brand new Model 57 much later (1977), but the packaging was still the same as yours. Did you just buy the box and packaging, or did you buy the Model 57 with it (and the blue box with papers/tools)?

Looks good.....
How about more pictures including inside the case and the ‘57

Hawg Rider, yes I got the gun and case. I figured the gun was shipped Dec of 64 or Jan of 65. The case is the blue velour.

The gun is absolutely mint with only a very faint turn line. The gun and case are dirty and will be getting a good cleaning today..

The complete package for your Model 57 is correct. The outer cardboard shipping carton was introduced as early as 1960, but the end label came a couple of years later. The velour lined case was used from 1964 (March/April when the model was introduced) until phased out in the summer of 1965 in favor of the clamshell style case.

Bill

... Then there were the interesting cases with the "wood grained" contact paper that were used to ship some of the 57s in the spring of 1965, like this one (S254447) that shipped in April 1965 (it was engraved after it left the factory)...











There are several threads where these weird cases have been discussed, but even in those threads I have not seen where much is known about the story behind it. However, I for one am glad that these wood paneled case lasted only a short while.

__________________
Richard
Engraved S&W fan

RKmesa, I actually have one of those too. Most people don’t like it but I actually think it’s a beautiful case. Here’s a old picture of it, I’ll try to take some current pictures soon. .

Am I mistaken?...I thought the N-frames always shipped in standard blue cardboard S&W boxes- not shipped inside the presentation cases.

I also have one of those cases! They were a VERY cheap attempt at creating a new type case. I have never been able to find out any information on these cases, other than the info already stated!
FYI The first year production velour cases were made in 4" and 6". I have never seen an 8 3/8" one! This was the best case liner that S&W ever made!
Finding one today for your early guns is an expensive endeavor!
jcelect

The practice of shipping N frame guns in a Mahogany Presentation case was started in 1960 with the introduction of the 8 3/8" mod 29 in 1959. This practice was continued until 1983. There were 4 different type liners used during this time. In 1979 S&W changed the cardboard "shipping" carton to this type;

S&W realized the practice of shipping guns inside the case, inside a cardboard sleeve, produced a damaged case at the final destination!
jcelect