.44 Magnum Blue/Black Presentation Case?

Modified · Mar 29, 2021

I don't generally buy boxes, but this one was at the gunshow for $75 and I knew just enough to realize that it may be a decent home for my pre-model 29 with a wee bit of effort on my part.

Can you guys school me on this? I understand that the hardware can date the box? From what little I have been able to find this one may be slightly newer then my 4 screw pre-29 is?

Can anyone direct me to any threads on restoring the interior? I would like to make it look mostly original, with I think that satin material? I'm not fussed about the loops for the cleaning gear and SAT, I figure the box is "wrong" for my gun anyway, but it will be a nice home for it with a little effort anyway.

Doc44 · Mar 29, 2021

The presentation case you purchased is correct for a 44 Magnum shipped sometime in 1957/58 so it is most likely correct correct for your revolver.

Contact Joe Cebull about case restoration. His information is in the S&WCA roster.

Bill

Club Gun Fan · Mar 29, 2021

Joe restored the interior of this box for a Combat Magnum. Before I sent it to him, it looked like yours. He told me my box was the first Combat Magnum box he'd restored. After what he did to mine, it won't be the last.

MrG5122 · Mar 29, 2021

Nice snag. It appears to be for a 6.5" gun. Is there a serial number in wax pencil on the bottom?

nedlate · Mar 29, 2021

SixgunStrumpet said:
Can anyone direct me to any threads on restoring the interior? I would like to make it look mostly original, with I think that satin material? I'm not fussed about the loops for the cleaning gear and SAT, I figure the box is "wrong" for my gun anyway, but it will be a nice home for it with a little effort anyway.

I also had a box with the interior just like yours-Joe also restored mine and it looks great.

Ed

Modified · Mar 29, 2021

If I'm honest... I don't really care much for the original boxes. This is one of the few that I do like, but I'm financially kind of scraping up cash where I can to pay to replace my (somewhat excessive) deck.

So if Joe is the guy, and it sure sounds like he is, it's going to be a bit until this box is sorted.

Can anyone say if my Pre-29 could have conceivably shipped out in this box? Or is the right box one with a different latch and/or pebble texture?

This is the gun: A new Pre-29, once owned by W. A. Orick

Modified · Mar 29, 2021

MrG5122 said:
Nice snag. It appears to be for a 6.5" gun. Is there a serial number in wax pencil on the bottom?

There is not, I went over it in a variety of lighting, and using a variety of light sources, and if it used to be there it is no longer.

Doc44 · Mar 29, 2021

Presentation cases (for the 6 1/2-inch barrel length) with a pebble grain exterior and slide or button latch were phased out in favor of cases with a smooth exterior and clasp style latch beginning in October 1956. Since your 44 Magnum was shipped (most likely) in the first half of 1957, the case you have is correct for your revolver. When the pebble grain case was discontinued, so was the practice of writing the serial number on the bottom of the case in white grease pencil (there are a few exceptions).

44 Magnums with a 4-inch barrel which began to ship in quantity in November 1956 have a presentation case with a pebble grain exterior and clasp style latch. The serial number is written on the bottom in white grease pencil. By February 1957, the case with a smooth exterior had replaced this style of case.

Bill

charlie sherrill · Mar 29, 2021

About 8-10 years ago a friend brought me a box just like this. Inside were a set of immaculate Coke grips, but no .44 magnum revolver. The box and grips were found in the attic of an elderly lady. She vaguely remembered her husband having owned the revolver but didn't know what he did with it. The box and grips were almost perfect. My friend wanted Jr. to sell the items for him. The box brought $400.00 and the grips $800.00. The money was donated to a local Baptist Church Association for charity purposes.

Modified · Mar 29, 2021

Doc44 said:
Presentation cases (for the 6 1/2-inch barrel length) with a pebble grain exterior and slide or button latch were phased out in favor of cases with a smooth exterior and clasp style latch beginning in October 1956. Since your 44 Magnum was shipped (most likely) in the first half of 1957, the case you have is correct for your revolver. When the pebble grain case was discontinued, so was the practice of writing the serial number on the bottom of the case in white grease pencil (there are a few exceptions).

44 Magnums with a 4-inch barrel which began to ship in quantity in November 1956 have a presentation case with a pebble grain exterior and clasp style latch. The serial number is written on the bottom in white grease pencil. By February 1957, the case with a smooth exterior had replaced this style of case.

Bill

Excellent information, than you so much Bill that's exactly what I needed. Great news too!

Once my deck is replaced I'll have a chat with Joe and see about getting this case fixed up.

.44 Magnum Blue/Black Presentation Case?

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