38 M&P box question

[waelkhntr]

Which style of box would a 1949 vintage .38 special M&P come in, the blue box with an end label marked "Military 38 Police" stamped "patented Dec 28, 1920", or the "gold box with Military & Police Revolver" embossed in blue on the lid?

As always thank you for your input and information
Terry

 

[larryofcc]

I have 2", # 963156, shipped 12-16-47 in a gold box numbered to the gun. I would presume yours came in a gold box as well. Big Larry

 

[waelkhntr]

Thank You Big Larry. That was my guess too but thought I would ask to make sure.

Terry

 

[JP@AK]

I have 2", # 963156, shipped 12-16-47 in a gold box numbered to the gun.

That would be S963156. Still a long action M&P, square butt.

Yes, by that time, virtually all the M&Ps, regardless of barrel length, were shipping in the gold box. I have several of varying barrel lengths from that period; all in gold boxes.

The highest serial number M&P I've found with a documented maroon box is in the S850000 range. Shipment was in late 1946. Gold boxes were already around, so there was quite a bit of overlap.

 

[larryofcc]

My # SV 809976 was shipped 4-4-46 in a maroon box with a green label. Pencil marked with the matching serial number. Big Larry