Early Model 57 with rare Vinyl Covered Presentation Case

[Gun Relics]

This is a Model 57 .41 magnum (S2630XX) shipped April, 1965 with an unusual vinyl Presentation Case. The case itself is quite interesting. It's clad in a fairly heavy, wood-grain vinyl with steel latch and hinges. The sides are made from hardboard (high density fiberboard).

The case interior is covered with a satin/nylon material, similar to the original .44 magnum black boxes from the 1950's. The interior is constructed of layers of corrugated cardboard with the material is mounted with double sided tape.

All in all, an unusual variant and I'm glad to have located it right here on the forum. I've only seen a couple of these cases, not sure if they were exclusive to Model 57's for a short time.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Beautiful piece. Fabulous condition.. love those cokes and the case.

 

[JRB416]

Very nice Model 57. Thanks for sharing sir.

 

[RT44nut]

Very nice. Great looking revolver and case.

 

[a5werkes]

Last year I acquired this new-old-stock no dash M57.
Historical letter indicates a 1981 shipping date to a well-known sporting goods store in Jackson Mississipi. Completely disassembled and cleaned.

 

[BigMuddy]

My 1964 M57 has the same presentation case. It is a terrific shooter.

Dan

 

[Hawg Rider]

Beautiful Model 57, and an unusual case. I've never seen one with the "vinyl" covering, although the cardboard cut-outs and satin material are pretty standard for these early .41 Magnum cases. I thought that the early Model 57 cases (mid-1960s) were standard mahogany wood cases (like most other N-frames). Could this case be an aftermarket case that utilizes the original Model 57 cut-outs and satin cloth? Perhaps Doc44 or jcelect can chime in with some of their extensive knowledge of S&W cases.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Last year I acquired this new-old-stock no dash M57.
Historical letter indicates a 1981 shipping date to a well-known sporting goods store in Jackson Mississipi. Completely disassembled and cleaned.

Superb pristine set!

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[Gun Relics]

Beautiful Model 57, and an unusual case. I've never seen one with the "vinyl" covering, although the cardboard cut-outs and satin material are pretty standard for these early .41 Magnum cases. I thought that the early Model 57 cases (mid-1960s) were standard mahogany wood cases (like most other N-frames). Could this case be an aftermarket case that utilizes the original Model 57 cut-outs and satin cloth? Perhaps Doc44 or jcelect can chime in with some of their extensive knowledge of S&W cases.

The first year Model 57 cases are mahogany with a distinctive crushed velvet liner (see one of mine below). The backing material is molded high dentisty foam.

The vinyl case shown is factory. I believe they tried them for a short time then abandoned the idea. I don't see an advantage to the vinyl cases. The early Model 57's came with cokes. I will message Doc 44 to see if he can chime in - I am very curious about what he might know about these vinyl cases. There is very little information about these cases, although I know they switched from the crushed velvet to this satin/nylon material at some point.

 

[Doc44]

I was told many years ago these cases were first seen at the S&WCA meeting in 1986. No one knows why S&W had these cases made, or who made them, only that they appear to be limited to Model 57s shipped in 1965. The cases are limited in number but show up from time to time. I acquired one many years ago with a Model 57, 6-inch, that shipped in January 1965. At the time, I wasn't sure it was a S&W presentation case.

Wish I could contribute more, but not much is known about these cases.

Bill

 

[Gun Relics]

I was told many years ago these cases were first seen at the S&WCA meeting in 1986. No one knows why S&W had these cases made, or who made them, only that they appear to be limited to Model 57s shipped in 1965. The cases are limited in number but show up from time to time. I acquired one many years ago with a Model 57, 6-inch, that shipped in January 1965. At the time, I wasn't sure it was a S&W presentation case.

Wish I could contribute more, but not much is known about these cases.

Bill

Thank you Bill, appreciate the info. I figure if you don't know it, nobody else does either, so I can make up any old cockamamie story I want .

 

[Model29-26.5]

I have a couple of those velvet lined cases.
The 6.5 inch is atyrofoam
The other is a 4 inch and I did not look to see what the form was made out of.
My 29–2 nickel came with the 6.5 case, but I'm sure it's not original to the gun, and I'm certain that my model 28–2 refinish is definitely not original with the 4 inch case it came with.

I fairly certain that 57s were not made in 6.5 inch, at least I have never seen a 6.5 or heard of one so it makes me wonder if they made a few of thesecases for 29s or even the old 6.5" 27s.
This one looks like it could have been modified by a previous owner to fit a 6.5 inch gun. I don't know anything about the material or what it is supposed to look like on the back.

 

[Gun Relics]

 

[charlie sherrill]

Last year I acquired this new-old-stock no dash M57.
Historical letter indicates a 1981 shipping date to a well-known sporting goods store in Jackson Mississipi. Completely disassembled and cleaned.

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I bought several nice S&W's from Hunt & Whitaker back in the 70's and 80's. A lot of Mississippi police agencies got firearms and other equipment from them. They had more S&W's, Colts, and riot guns than any store in the state.

 

[Timb1]

I have had one for many years. I have tried to track them over the last 25 years and I doubt if I have seen more than 20 over the years. Of course most of these were just pictures. I think I have seen three in person counting the one I have.