Again, box question

[larryofcc]

Surely someone knows the answer.
I have a K22 wide rib 5 screw, shipped with target hammer and target stocks in 1956. Does not fit in a gold or blue box. What was it shipped in? Thanks, Big Larry

 

[PALADIN85020]

The original box would have been a gold one. It should be marked with a matching barrel length and finish. If the original stocks were magnas and the gun was retrofitted with targets, it would not fit even if the description on the box matches.

John

 

[JH1951]

(I'm wrong - See post #8) Mine, in original configuration, fits in a gold box without any problem.
Perhaps we need to see pictures of yours.....
I'll show you mine if you show me yours.....
View attachment 531911

 

[bdGreen]

The correct box for that configuration would have corner cleats with five holes and not four. That would allow the target stocks to nest in the gun box properly.

bdGreen

 

[JP@AK]

The original box would have been a gold one.

Not necessarily, John. By '56, the blue boxes were in use (probably would have been the dark blue, sometimes referred to as blue/black). Gold boxes were still around, so it could be either one.

 

[bdGreen]

Yes, blue/black box.

bdGreen

 

[RKmesa]

I agree with Bruce and Jack.

Here's the K-38 Masterpiece version that you described...

 

[JH1951]

I stand corrected, and should have known better. I've watched K-22 boxes for years, and 1956 would be a blue box. Gold boxes phased out around 1954, and I've seen a mix of gold and blue in 1953.
So the subject at hand is likely to be a blue two-piece box, Smith & Wesson Inc. / Springfield Mass - solid border on top, and other embellishments, with various corner reinforcement colors - red, silver, blue noted....
And as bdGreen and RKmesa noted, there are variations to accommodate the target stocks, too. (I did not know that! Happy to now.)
It's interesting to watch these boxes and try to track the evolution. I started doing it about 10 years ago for the K-frames and have slacked off for the last several. Got into other interests with the Chiefs Special more recently and have a fair amount of CS box related data collected if anyone is ever of interest.

 

[larryofcc]

I agree with Bruce and Jack.

Here's the K-38 Masterpiece version that you described...

Exactly what I was looking for. My revolver letters with the target stocks, so it had to be something they fixed up at the factory. My gun is # 258577. It has the diamond center stocks with no relief cuts. It is also drippy mint. Thanks for the pics. I will save them. Big Larry

 

[larryofcc]

I agree with Bruce and Jack.

Here's the K-38 Masterpiece version that you described...

I have nearly the same box, but it is marked Target Hammer, target trigger. K38 that letters as same. Came with magna stocks. Thanks, Big Larry

 

[glowe]

You will notice that all those blue boxes are 5 hole rivets, while the K frame blue boxes were 4 hole rivets used on the corners. The boxes used to ship Target stocked K frames were actually N frame blue boxes. They were higher and wider than the gold K frame boxes. Some were plain blue with nothing inside the lids and were supposedly used to return repaired N frames from the factory. Others were stamped with instructions as shown above.

 

[larryofcc]

You will notice that all those blue boxes are 5 hole rivets, while the K frame blue boxes were 4 hole rivets used on the corners. The boxes used to ship Target stocked K frames were actually N frame blue boxes. They were higher and wider than the gold K frame boxes. Some were plain blue with nothing inside the lids and were supposedly used to return repaired N frames from the factory. Others were stamped with instructions as shown above.

Thanks Gary. You are smarter than the average bear. Big Larry

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I have a K-22 and a K-38 both in their numbered blue boxes, both have Target stocks. They shipped on the same day to a local dealer. Roy lettered them as "Companion" guns. When I saw them, they were outside their boxes. After I bought them, the dealer told me I'd have to remove the stocks to get them in the boxes. He was correct, they don't fit in the boxes with the stocks on them.