Bangor Punta and Lear Siegler S&W's

[GF]

What years were S&W owned by those company's?

Thanks for your help!

GF

 

[linde]

These dates are not exact . . .

Bangor Punta 1965 to 1984
Lear Sigler 1984 to 1987

Russ

Edit to add: SCS&W 4th lists more precise date in Appendix A - S&W Historic Milestones

 

[GF]

One piece boxes started in the 90's right?

GF

 

[H Richard]

I think there were some in the 80's. I have a 686 that shipped in 1982 that is in a one piece box..

 

[shawn mccarver]

Bangor Punta Corporation existed from 1964 to 1984, when it was purchased by Lear Siegler, Inc.

You can remember when S&W lost its independence because it was the same year the Model 60 was introduced - 1965. Bangor Punta owned S&W from 1965 until 1984 when Lear Siegler acquired Bangor Punta. Thus, S&W's parent company became Lear Siegler in 1984.

Tomkins PLC bought S&W from LBO (the Lear Siegler holding corporation) in 1987. So, Lear Siegler owned S&W from 1984 to 1987.

EDIT: Typo corrected. Tomkins acquired S&W from Lear Siegler in 1987, not 1997. Oops.

 

[jtcarm]

I think there were some in the 80's. I have a 686 that shipped in 1982 that is in a one piece box..

Yep. My circa 1985 model 624 came in a one-piece box proclaiming S&W "a Lear Siegler Company"

My 24-3 purchased 2 years earlier was in a two-piece.

Feels like I'm editing the SI swimsuit edition "one-piece, two piece".

 

[GF]

Thanks fellas.
I was going through paperwork (instruction manuals, the warranty cards and those little knife and holster catalogs) that came in revolver boxes back in the day and am trying to get them in order by date.
Here's a "back in the day" story for you.
I used to go to gunshows where there were always S&W boxes & paperwork for sale. $5 to 20 bucks for boxes and instruction manuals for $2 or $3.

As I remember, early on they didn't sell well.

So I'd buy them up and do something EVERYBODY trurn's their nose up at, I'd put high condition guns in boxes that weren't original to the gun.
I did it because I liked - and still do - the looks of my revolvers in a period correct box with the paperwork and tools.

I read many a' thread on how that's a waste of time and money.
But I like the way it looks and that's what matters to me.

GF

 

[MN2944]

So I'd buy them up and do something EVERYBODY trurn's their nose up at, I'd put high condition guns in boxes that weren't original to the gun.GF

I don't turn my nose up at that IF it's just done as part of your collection. I do have a problem with guys that print up new labels and try to represent everything as original. It's not that the box is anything special, but I think "original box and papers" has a specific meaning and may reflect the way the gun has been cared for over the years.

 

[Cariboo Canuck]

I had a 4" Highway Patrolman from the Bangor Punta era. The ratchet was so rough, it went directly to a S&W warranty repair depot for a refit.

Sold it to buy my first M66 and haven't owned an N frame .357 since.

 

[Laketime]

Lear Sigler...We should all forget this horrible era for Smith & Wesson's lack of quality.Out of 18 brand new revolvers bought in this three year span,only one remains in my collection,the only one that was put together right.Congrats on those who also got a good one or two.