Beware of Phony End Labels, Lets Vote!!!

[g8rb8]

The handwriting on this label is a dead giveaway that this label is a fraud.

Kernel Crittenden - .... A real S&W label has a quick scrawl, indicative of individuals writing hundreds, if not thousands, of labels per day. They were done QUICKLY. In a rush.

I love sticking my neck out on stuff like this since there's no real axe to lop my head off with.

The label itself looks legit. The writing is not exactly typical of the fast scrawl described by The Kernel but there's a lot to this label that looks legit overall to me. The writing looks as if it was "bring your teenage daughter to work day." Come on guys please tell me I'm right. I'm looking for a second job at Sotheby's Auctions and need this confirmation as a job reference.

 

[marinevet]

...and where can they be purchased?

I know some of you may find this hard to believe, but I have a sheet of these reproduction labels in my gun safe. I bought them at the Tulsa gun show, a few years ago, and they were being sold at a table manned by some members of this very forum.

I guess it is all about if they are being used with the intent to deceive.

Edit, they may not be "reproduction" labels, but they are blank labels.

Semper Fi!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Maybe I missed something. Fraudulent labels are available online. And used legitimate box are available on ebay.

So a sellers buy a box for a 27-2 3.5 inch and adds a phony label. I think that is what happens.

Exactly. You got it. The eBay seller is selling a totally legit item. It's just an empty box with a label on it (maybe). It's the guy who BUYS IT FROM HIM that fakes it. It's the second guy that puts a gun in the box with a fake label that MATCHES THE GUN.

I was originally responding to a post about questionable boxes on eBay. I think you would have a hard time buying a "fake" box on eBay, post-1982, even if you wanted to.

 

[g8rb8]

Here is another phony label on a GB sale.. This is the same seller that has been pointed out before. Sounds like hiphop Disc Jockey's moniker - djstrap.

Wow. The labels from djstrap seem ubiquitous. If djstrap hangs around long enough making fake labels here's some possible outcomes:
1. djstrap labels will become numerous enough that there will be confusion for someone trying to figure out what's real and what's not.
2. djstrap labels will develop a life of their own. Can't you just imagine the description on a Gun Broker auction: "Minty Original djstap-Labeled Smith & Wesson In Box".
3. djstrap reviews this thread, makes some small changes to the labels and their writing style, and nobody can tell a djstrap label from an original.

 

[JohnAC]

Thank you for posting this. I've assumed most Colt boxes were fakes for a while. I didn't know the disease had spread.

 

[Jay Frame]

I'm reviving this very informative and interesting thread to see what you all think about this one. Its a hand written label on a one piece box for a 1982-ish revolver. I'm not making any judgment about anyone and am just curious. I bought the 629 not the box. What do you think? Thanks. JF

 

[haris1]

I'm reviving this very informative and interesting thread to see what you all think about this one. Its a hand written label on a one piece box for a 1982-ish revolver. I'm not making any judgment about anyone and am just curious. I bought the 629 not the box. What do you think? Thanks. JF

I vote real

 

[Jay Frame]

Thanks Haris. Kernel what do you think? This is beyond your 1981 date.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I'm on the fence. The handwriting is appropriately sloppy, but the label itself looks kinda "ify". Would be nice if we could see the front flap of the box. The one-piece box went thru different minor revisions over the years. A legit box from 1982 would have a certain look.

 

[Jay Frame]

Thanks Kernel. I'll post some more photos when I'm back home on Monday. Really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge!

 

[jughed440]

Check out the label on the box in this recent GB auction. The bar code is blurry, and the product code is WAY off...

SMITH & WESSON 645 45ACP RR, W/O Exc in Box : Semi Auto Pistols at GunBroker.com

 

[Jay Frame]

Kernel and all,
Here is the front of the box and a better shot of the label. Were all 629s shipped in the same size box? I think it is original as the original receipt from January 1983 is in the box along w/ tools and paperwork. Thanks. JF

 

[Jay Frame]

I think I answered my own question about box size. SCSW list one part number for "the N frame or those handguns with longer barrels." JF

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Seeing the front flap, the box looks correct for the period (Bangor Punta marked). The handwriting looks familiar, too. There was a finite number of workers at S&W that marked these labels. If you look at enough of them, you notice repeating styles. I think it's legit. If it was faked, someone did their homework and went to a lot of effort.

 

[S.B.]

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is?
Steve