Helpful Hints dates

[rck281]

During what years was the Helpful Hints brochure included with the guns? Did it come with all guns?

[1Aspenhill]

Dick,
I'll render an educated guess. I believe that they started showing up around 1930 and were included with all guns until the war. After the war, I believe they were included until they began stamping model numbers in the guns.
Bill

[Doc44]

I have three variations of the Helpful Hints brochure. One is pre-WWII, one dates to early 56 and was shipped with a Combat Magnum, and one I bought on ebay that shows a revolver with a 3-screw frame that suggests it was printed in 1962 or later. I have never seen a Helpful Hints brochure associated with an early 44 Magnum.

Bill

[rck281]

Bill,

I have never seen one with a picture of a 3-screw frame. Can you really tell it is a 3 screw and not a 4 screw frame?

Dick

[Doc44]

Dick...The revolver has the new cylinder stop without the cylinder stop plunger screw (see photo below).

Bill

[rck281]

Sure enough. I never expected that they used the brochure into the 3 screw era. Learn something new every day!

[JSR III]

This is a repost of a repost, however, some of the newer folks may find it helpful:

In reviewing my collection of helpful hints brochures, I noticed some
differences that the group may find interesting.

The "older" version (jodhpurs and jacket)shows a hammer block on the
sideplate and not on the cut a way of the gun. Inside the S&W logo
says TRADE MARK and REG US Pat.Off. Also the second sight picture
shown shows what appears to be a round call bead front sight even
though the cut a way is a model 10 with a round blade front sight.
There is a comment at the end of the cleaning and oiling paragraph
that mentions that S&W guarantees their arms only when used with
factory ammunition of the type plainly stamped on the barrel. There
is no "Marcus Registradus". There is a cylinder stop screw shown and
there is wording under the sideplate about S&W RUGGED design. Marked
M.J.O'M.CO. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Then we move to the one with the officer without the jacket and
jodhpurs. I have several different versions, there may be more. I
am listing them in the order that I feel is correct, I am open to
corrections.

1) Same size as before 7" by 7 3/4". Hammer block now shown on the
cut a way and not the sideplate. S&W logo inside now just says TRADE
MARK. Second sight picture shows square type front sight. No
ammunition comment under cleaning and oiling. Now says MARCUS
REGISTRADUS. Marked S&W Printed in U.S.A. 7-51.

2) Size now 7 1/8" by 6 5/8". Cylinder cut a way now shows extractor
spring and center pin spring. Cut a way picture of gun now slightly
smaller. Sight pictures from 7-51 version have been reversed. New
paragraph added regarding SIGHT ADJUSTMENT and how many clicks to
accomplish elevation and windage changes. Wording under SAFETY
changes slightly and refers to handling by competent persons. Front
sight shown is now a ramp not a round blade. Hammer design is
different.

3) Size now 7" by 7". Cylinder stop screw no longer shown. Rugged
design paragraph under picture of sideplate no longer printed. Cut a
way is smaller still with tip of barrel about 1" from edge of
phamplet.

I also have one that is specifically geared towards the Centennial
Revolver.

Roy or others could probably see other changes in sear or hand
designs that I am not competent to detect. Some of the above
differences are tied to dated design changes and should help the
collector determine which pamphlet is correct for what era. Perhaps
Roy could elaborate.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,

James Redfield
#497