VCI Paper

boykinlp

boykinlp

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I know nothing lasts forever, and paper doesn't last very long at all.

Recently, I was thinking (dangerous, I know:D) about VCI paper that I have seen over the years in pictures, here and elsewhere. You can find almost anything for sale these days! But, one thing that I don't think I have ever seen for sale is the early VCI paper that came with S&W guns. I think it says "Non Rust" or something like that on it. I also think it is written in red or black writing. I guess for different time periods. I have never seen any of the old stuff in person. I have seen the more recent paper with blue S&W writing. I know I looked for a couple of sheets of the old stuff at different times with no luck. When was this early style paper used? You folks know everything......so take me to school about VCI paper.:)
Larry
 
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Not claiming to be an expert on these matters by any means, but I have been told that this 1950 pre-27 came with correct paper for the era. It's kinda like tissue paper. Maybe an expert will weigh in.
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I have a 1950 Target that was produced in 1953 and the box has all the original paperwork, tools, etc. My paper matches Spin 123 exactly. Very much tan tissue paper-like. I think the paper the OP is talking about came along around the mid-50's, I think.
 
The tissue paper, I think, was only used when they ran out of Nox-Rust. I say that because I've seen lots of packages from early post-war guns with VCI paper, but occasionally I've seen the tissue used in the early 50s. Perhaps the Korean War caused a shortage. It is my understanding that VCI paper was developed in WW II to protect aircraft parts and other valuable materials sent to forward areas. So, if the Gov needed it in the Korean war, they would have taken priority.
 
Supporting what Lee said, I have several aircraft instruments that are government issue the were packed with the VCI paper. Interesting thought about there being a commercial shortage due to government demand.
 
Upon examination of the Model 53 I recently purchased I found (under the cut-out cardboard interior) a sheet of "anti-corrosion" paper with Caterpillar markings. I'm sure it did not come from S&W but it may give a hint of who it was previously owned by. I will know a little more when my letter arrives.

I have several S&W guns with that very light "tissue" paper and I have always wondered about it. Interesting read here.
 
As I understand it, early guns were sent in a plain waxed/oiled brown paper, but I do not know when the printed paper started?? Anybody out there have a chronology of paper liners in boxes?
 
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