Masterpiece "Salesman" Case?

Vtgw938

Vtgw938

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I have read contrary information about these cases being for salesman to show off the Masterpiece. I know they are late 1940's, a little earlier than the K38 that is shown with it, but correct for the grips. Can someone shed some light on these cases?

It is quite heavy, no plastic inserts here. I believe the lids are solid and the interior shape is molded into the lids. The paint was flaking off by the handful, so I hit it with some clear-coat which sealed it up nicely. It is in pretty good shape considering it age.


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The interior on your case is very nice. And your exterior, like most of them I have seen has some condition issues. I have read nothing definitive about these cases. But over the years I have seen at least several dozen of these cases, so they are not rare. However, I have yet to see any documentation that any Masterpiece shipped in this case.

As another reference, here are a few photos of my "Salesman Case" with a K-22 Masterpiece...





 
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Have seen a few threads that reference these cases. Interesting to me that more is not known about them.
Thinking this might be a good subject for an Ask Roy question. I'm not the one to do it because I do not have a horse in the race.
 
I managed to acquire one about 35 years ago... not sure how or where. At the time I thought it was cool, but now I can’t remember for the life of me what I did with it! :rolleyes:
Froggie
 
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They were a failure.
Smith and Wesson had intended to use them to ship their handguns and found that the weight and quality was not acceptable. They weren’t salesman sample cases.
As far as I know, there were no known shipments of firearms utilizing that case.

I had one. Agreed with factory and let it go.

Nope, don’t miss it.

And I ain’t looking for another one. .:D

It is made, I believe, out particle board/molded epoxy resin. Yes it is heavy.

bdGreen
 
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Did anybody mention it was very heavy for what it was? :D
Can you imagine a shipping box of A dozen or two K-22s or -38s in those cases would weigh? :eek:
Froggie
 
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paplinker said:
Box appears meant for a N frame with a target hammer?

Is there any time frame this box may have been from?
Click to expand...

I recall 1948 or 49 but maybe earlier. Definitely K frame and I was thinking the case might have been formed around a long action? Hopefully someone with more definitive answers will respond to your questions.
 
Vtgw938 said:
I recall 1948 or 49 but maybe earlier. Definitely K frame and I was thinking the case might have been formed around a long action? Hopefully someone with more definitive answers will respond to your questions.
Click to expand...

Can we see a N frame in there? You have a Model 27 or a trans OD laying around.:D
 
I think the durability is actually high, other than the paint. it fits the correct gun, is built like a tank and closes and locks like a vault.
 
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