32cal Smith & Wesson Topbreak reloading kit in RARE DISTRIBUTOR WOOD CASE

BMur · #1 04-25-2025, 05:51 PM

I just picked this up.
Pretty rare item. Shotgun kits can be found in Wood cases but pistol reloading tools in a Distributor Wood case is very scarce.
This is the most common caliber found. 32 Smith & Wesson in the early kit from 1878-1887 when it was replaced by the improved kits with peanut molds. This kit is also complete. With the original Mallet.

I’ve never seen an improved kit in a wood case primarily due to the fact that the later pasteboard boxes were re-enforced with a fiber web. Much stronger.
The earlier kits came in a very flimsy thin box that supported the motivation to case the tools in a very nice wood box. This case is a form fit design where every piece fits in a milled spot in the case.

Murph

K Frame Keith · #2 04-25-2025, 06:21 PM

Posts like this are one of the top reasons I’m a member! Thanks.

BMur · #3 04-26-2025, 12:21 AM

Here is an excellent example of a shotgun reloading tool wood case. Distributor manufactured.
Attention to detail you will note the same Rabbet type wood joints on the box walls and lid that are on my pistol tool case.
All the examples that I have seen that are period constructed have these type joints.
Dovetail was also used but designed for heavy duty and these wood cases for reloading tools are not heavy.

Murph

Patbar · #4 04-26-2025, 03:04 AM

Great find, Murph ! Congratulations !