17-3 Special Features

[RMS272829]

Just looked at my M17-3 box from 1976. In the Special Features box it show 1-58-27. What options do these numbers represent? The printing of these is different from the standard printing on the box label. Hand written but different writing. Are these numbers S&W options or could it be the sellers stock numbers.

 

[newellj]

It is very unlikely that it has anything to do with the gun, especially given that it was not done in the same script as the original label.

 

[Bastogne71]

It's not uncommon for the retailer to put a code on the box label for their own use. Could be his stock number, cost code, date received, etc. S&W usually used a two letter code, ie. AF = adjustable front sight or UC = unfluted cylinder. These would have been written by the packer that filled out the rest of the label.