From threads here, and information elsewhere, I've been able to figure out that there have been several print series of the Hostiles poster - from the original in 1902 to reprints in the 1920's (maybe), 1930's, 1950's, 1970's and maybe even later. Can anyone on here give a definitive guide to telling one series from the next? I think the community would greatly appreciate a listing of markings, size, paper stock, or whatever else can be used to figure out the age / authenticity of these incredible posters. Thanks
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opoefc
US Veteran
Welcome to the Forum. See the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd edit. for info on these posters and their reprints. A search of this Forum postings may give more info. on details of each print and differences. The originals were hanging on a wall at the factory several years ago and were taken down and stored during a remodeling/repainting and were not rehung. Later they could not be found. Some employee probably took them home. Ed.
Thanks. I did a search and did get some piecemeal info. Sorry to ask what may be a stupid question, but where can I see the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd edit.? Do I have to purchase a hard copy, or can I look it up online somewhere?
Ed
All of the original paints are back on the walls at Smith & Wesson. Some where removed by the Brits when they bought Smith & Wesson. They have made their way back where they belong.
opoefc
US Veteran
Don, I was referring to the original paintings. Yes, the original prints are back at the factory. If the original paintings are in your gun room, it's time to 'fess up!
Ahllaw, the SCSW can been seen at your local library.
Ed.
Ahllaw, the SCSW can been seen at your local library.
Ed.
opoefc
US Veteran
Don, Thank you for returning them. Ed.
It was a B getting the pea soup stains off them. You'd think the S&W kitchen would not throw garbage in a dumpster!
MAZ711
Member
Funny...when I worked at S&W in 78+9 I never noticed the original paintings !! What I can tell you is the "older" prints have more vivid colors and seem to be harder to acquire on line now. After a while the comparison becomes more obvious. One to keep your eye out for is "The Last Cartridge" that has a "little bear" in it that mom is protecting. Definitely and older print and HTF. I believe my 1st wife has one. When she cleaned me out she took my beautiful prints that were gifts from a fellow employee. I believe currently on E-bay there is a print of "The Hostiles" from the 50's for sale from an Australian seller. The older ones are worth tracking down. The ones I now have WILL NOT be snatched from me !! Good luck on the hunt !
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I just bought a lot of stuff from another retiree. He has 4 prints Hostile from prints form the 1950's. I do have the complete set of 12 1902 prints
Here is a picture of my Portuguese Hostiles. It was done by Smith & Wesson in the 1930's. The reprints were done in the 1930's 50's, 70's and 1980. To my knowledge they were not done in the 1920's. You can spot the 1930 copy from the 50's by the color. The 30's copy is a lot brighter then later copies. The original 1902 print size was around 14 x 15 inches.
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Richard2003
Member
I sold a Portuguese one to someone here on the forum. Was that you?
I found it at a yard sale a block from my house.
I found it at a yard sale a block from my house.
Not me. I bought mine at an auction in New Hampshire. I hope you got alot of money for it. They are very rare.
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km101
Member
I have never been lucky enough to acquire any of the prints, but I do have a couple of the brass Hostiles belt buckles that S&W sold. Guess I'll have to be content with them.
Richard2003
Member
Richard2003, Which one are you talking about and what was the vintage?
CNoyes1947
Member
Reviving an older thread.
I have owned this poster since the 1950’s. I’m seventy-seven now.
Bought it at an Alabama Gun Collectors Association show.
Pretty sure it’s from the 30’s, given the seventy year notation in the logo.
Difficult to measure, as it's in a sealed frame, but most likely, 18" x 22".
I have owned this poster since the 1950’s. I’m seventy-seven now.
Bought it at an Alabama Gun Collectors Association show.
Pretty sure it’s from the 30’s, given the seventy year notation in the logo.
Difficult to measure, as it's in a sealed frame, but most likely, 18" x 22".
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I've got a copy of "the hostiles" hanging over my desk now. It's on tin, mild steel, or some other metal. I got it at a gun show years ago for about $10.00 IIRC. 
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