This model was shipped in an attractive aluminum case inside a plain 12" x 10" x 5" cardboard shipping box.

For some reason, S&W chose to paste the usual label (which shows the revolver's serial no., model no., description, etc.) on the cardboard shipping box rather than on the aluminum case. This .357 was discontinued about 2007 and is not often seen at shows.

My question is this: How do most collectors, when buying the Model 360 Kit Gun, handle this situation? Do they place a lot of value on the entire plain cardboard shipping box, or would they accept just a 3"x 6" section of cardboard containing the label?

Thanks for your help.

Yep.

I don't know of a universal rule applicable to pricing the light-brown stuff but the complete shipping box has worth; brings more than the case alone.

Rule No. 2: The older the complete outfit, the more you'll receive.

Books like that of Jim Supica and Richard Nahas' The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson as well as S.P. Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values recognize there are increased values attached to every level of a firearm's state from the factory.

Shoot, I've got three NOS aluminum PC cases from which I wouldn't dare remove the shipping carton, whether today or another 10 years hence.

Later.