44 Magnum Black presentation case

[bronco45]

This is being offered to me to sell. I don't know what they are worth, and the case fits a 6.5" N frame. Do have one of those but not the 6.5" bbl length.

What would be a fair value, as I see them offered from mild to wild. Going to attach a couple of images? Appreciate the help! Pre 29 not for sale!

 

[29aholic]

Looks like the logo on the top is decent, the paper lip on the inside of the lid is intact, but the liner doesn't look right. Is there a serial number on the bottom of the case?


I would say $300-$400ish

 

[jsfricks]

I recently sold one in a little better condition on the outside but not quite as nice on the inside for $850. The outside of that one will probably cleanup better.

 

[RKmesa]

...but not the 6.5" bbl length...

... yeah, you only have one of those in-between 5" barreled ones that I'm sure nobody wants, especially with out a presentation case. NOT!. That 5"er is a beauty, and if I recall correctly, I believe it would have shipped in a 6.5" case. - Bill Cross will be along to straighten me out if I'm wrong.

 

[gjamison]

The Smith&Wesson rollmark on the barrel seems to be offset. Which leads me to believe that barrel was cut.

 

[opoefc]

5 inchers were shipped with this size case. This case would bring well north of $500 on Ebay. The barrel stamp is "off set" on many off these guns. Ed.

 

[bronco45]

This Pre 29 was originally an 8 3/8s cut down for portability. Owner of box bought it for the Pre 29 they did not come together. No number on the bottom of case except for a number 5 written on the interior floor of the box in pencil.

 

[Dillyp]

There was one just on ebay with a buy it now of $75! one of you turds beat me to it.

 

[Doc44]

The case dates from late 56 until this style of case was replaced by the mahogany case in early 1960. Based on the condition of the exterior of the case, I would guess the cloth lining has been replaced at some point. I would estimate the value of the case at around $500, but in an auction, it certainly could bring more depending on the bidders.

44 Magnums with a 5-inch barrel were shipped in a case constructed for a Magnum with a 6 1/2-inch barrel.

Bill

 

[29-1]

This is being offered to me to sell. I don't know what they are worth, and the case fits a 6.5" N frame. Do have one of those but not the 6.5" bbl length.

What would be a fair value, as I see them offered from mild to wild. Going to attach a couple of images? Appreciate the help! Pre 29 not for sale!

What you are being offered is a 1958/59 case with the blue cotton fabric that was used only for a short period of time. This lining replaced the earlier blue satin lining. The same material was used in the rare transition cases of the 1959-61 period that was the later mahogany case with the last of the black box linings and the boxes incorporating the spade latch. You can expect to pay 3-500 depending on the condition. The case is correct for a 44 Magnum with the 5 inch barrel and depending on when your gun shipped, it could be the exact style case the gun shipped in but I suspect if it's a Harris gun, it shipped in 1958 and would have shipped in the black box with the satin lining and pull down rectangular latch. But, anything's possible with S&W.

Chuck

 

[Leatherhead23]

I recently sold one in a little better condition on the outside but not quite as nice on the inside for $850. The outside of that one will probably cleanup better.

What's a good/sage cleaning method for the exterior?

 

[jsfricks]

What's a good/sage cleaning method for the exterior?

Damp cloth and soap is usually best. Or a good leather cleaner staying off the letters. Then a good coat of wax.

 

[29aholic]

Man am I out of touch!!

 

[bronco45]

Thank you all for your valuable input! Knew these boxes were extraordinary but didn't appreciate how much.

 

[glowe]

My advise is to leave the exterior as is. DO NOT - I repeat - DO NOT touch the logo on the box. The gold will disappear if even dampened. So, if you clean and wax the rest of the box, it will look quite different than the logo area. Also, wetting the box can quickly turn into a disaster, since the paper surface is just glued onto the pasteboard and can wrinkle, separate, and bubble if water is used. Mineral spirits will clean better and not lift the surface paper, but you still cannot touch the area around the gold logo. These cases were very cheaply made and, with age, become quite fragile. If you want it to look better, you should take the box to a restorer.

My bet is on a replaced liner, since the inside base has very thin padding and does not have the hinge conceal which keeps the top from opening all the way back. Satin is my guess for original liner.

 

[29-1]

The hinge cover is present it is just folded inward. The more I look at this box I believe it is correct. I've had probably over 50 of the blue/black boxes over the years and this one looks good. Here are the three different style boxes.

 

[bronco45]

Bought the box and I'm leaving it as is! Goes in a dark, dry closet!