17-2 Box and End Label

[Dennis2149]

Hello everyone, I recently joined the forum and must say that I've already learned a great deal. I've had this Model 17-2 for over 30+ years--a great shooter. I purchased it used from a former co-worker who has now passed-on. The revolver came with period diamond magna grips (non-matching serial # on inside right panel), the box and instruction sheet. I added some comfortable target grips. Questions: The box end label is not upside-down as I've seen referenced in other threads. Is this usual/unusual? Does the box look period correct for a 1965 birthdate? Best regards, Dennis

 

[series guy]

Looks all correct to me. There are many anomalies in the S&W world.

 

[Dennis2149]

Thanks for the reply. The serial # matches the gun and I was hoping that the box did look to belong to it. Waiting for the weather to break here so I can get her back to the range.

 

[Sevens]

I would agree that the label is upside down (or right side up?!) compared to what we nearly always see. When looking at end labels with a keen eye for deception or fraud (or not necessarily done with ill intent but still not original…) I would say that the label itself and more so the style of writing on it carries more weight than it’s orientation.

Knowing little else, I want to assume that yours is original, and was mistakenly applied upside down.

 

[Dave from Pa]

Looks correct/original to me.Regarding the label placement many labels had the adhesive dry out and fell off or were easily peeled off.The previous owner could have glued it back on with no knowledge or regard to orientation.Part of this assumption is based on your last picture which shows glue residue.Many boxes had a label on both ends but not always.JMO

 

[Dennis2149]

Thanks to all of you for your opinions and observations in answering my questions. The 17-2 is my only K Frame and I've grown quit attached to her. I've a very small collection of S&W's and they all get their turn at the range. Dave, I'm also from SW PA. Best regards, Dennis

 

[RKmesa]

Welcome to the forum Dennis. Everything looks good to me.

 

[lrb1200]

Nothing about your end label says
fraud or fake to me.

 

[OFT II]

The boxes with the upside down labels are for the Australian market.

 

[John_M52]

I have been told that the early no-dash 17's and 19's do not have an end label at all, but I don't know if this is true or if someone was trying to sell me a pistol with a non-matching box. Not trying to hijack but maybe someone can chime in?

 

[larryofcc]

My early M19 no dash has no end label. Top has the solid white line and the serial number is on the bottom in white grease pencil. Big Larry

 

[bananaman]

Nice 17 you have there! Should be very accurate. I have a 17-2 from 1964. It shoots quite well. Have had several sets of stocks on it. Like Herrett Target Stocks the best. Have used others pictured. Bob

 

[Dennis2149]

Hi Bob/Bananaman, very nice looking 17-2 and stocks. I like using Target Stocks on SW"s Wheel guns. Seem to shoot better for me--like the looks too. Again, I appreciate all the responses from the forum. This was my first thread and posts. I hope to be able to contribute to this group over time. Best regards, Dennis

 

[bananaman]

Hi Bob/Bananaman, very nice looking 17-2 and stocks. I like using Target Stocks on SW"s Wheel guns. Seem to shoot better for me--like the looks too. Again, I appreciate all the responses from the forum. This was my first thread and posts. I hope to be able to contribute to this group over time. Best regards, Dennis

All of my revolvers have target style stocks. Originals are in boxes.
Herrett Target stocks are wonderful. Have around 10 sets. Bob

 

[Toolman0671!]

Masterpiece

I have a Masterpiece 17-1 s/n k787xxx. My box label is upside down. S/n on box matches s/n on pistol but, model number in upper left corner says 17-2. ??? Also what year is it. New to Forum. Bought gun today.

 

[Toolman0671!]

Hello RKmesa, new to forum. I have a masterpiece 17-1, I purchased today. s/n K787xxx. The box end label is upside down. The s/n on box matches s/n on pistol, but model number on upper left corner on label says 17-2???? Also figuring year make has been a challenge. Whats your thoughts?

 

[JP@AK]

I have a masterpiece 17-1
s/n K787xxx.

The s/n on box matches s/n on pistol, but model number on upper left corner on label says 17-2?

Well, that's very odd. K787000 would put it in 1968. That is much too high to expect on a 17-1; even a little bit high for a 17-2. The 17-3 was released in 1967.

There are some things you should look at. First, is there a screw in the front of the trigger guard? That's the fourth screw and should still be there on a 17-1, but not on a 17-2. Next, check the location of the screw that holds the rear sight to the frame (forward screw on the sight leaf). If it is positioned directly above the barrel/cylinder gap and there is no screw in the front of the trigger guard, then the revolver is a 17-2.

If the sight leaf screw is slightly farther forward, over the breech end of the barrel and not over the barrel/cylinder gap, then the gun is a 17-3.

 

[bananaman]

Hello RKmesa, new to forum. I have a masterpiece 17-1, I purchased today. s/n K787xxx. The box end label is upside down. The s/n on box matches s/n on pistol, but model number on upper left corner on label says 17-2???? Also figuring year make has been a challenge. Whats your thoughts?

Welcome to a 17, and welcome to the FORUM, from Michigan! Bob

 

[Toolman0671!]

Hello JP@AK, Thanks for your reply, no sir, no screw is located in front of trigger guard, pistol has a total of three screws. Forward screw on sight leaf is forward of cylinder gap. So this is what I got..... A box with the correct s/n that matches the gun but model number on box states that it is a 17-2. I have used my optical visor to look at the crane. I have had gun savvy Gentlemen to look at the pistol markings, it is clearly stamped 17-1. Your correct, very odd. Pistol is in 98%. I was a Toolmaker for 27 years, somewhat familiar with metal. Now I am a Gun Store owner. It must be a mistake made at the factory is all I can figure.

 

[Toolman0671!]

Thanks Bananaman!!!