At what point did S&W ship K22 ( pre 17s ) in the blue box?
Blue Box K22. ?
- Thread starter Drm50
- Start date
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What I do know is that the factory started phasing out the gold boxes in the mid to late 1950s.The blue two piece box with the S&W logo on the left side started in 1957, coinciding with the introduction of the model numbers.
What I do not know is when the last gold box was used to ship a Masterpiece revolver? I also do not know if the early blue boxes were for K and/or N frame guns?
What I do not know is when the last gold box was used to ship a Masterpiece revolver? I also do not know if the early blue boxes were for K and/or N frame guns?
larryofcc
Member
In my collection I have a heavy bbl. 5 screw K22, # K 258577, shipped 5-2-1956 that letters with target hammer, and diamond center, walnut target stocks. Lettered as such and marked on the numbered to the gun, white line blue box. The stocks are the un relieved type. Gun and box are near mint. This box is for another gun. Big Larry
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That is quite interesting since the box is an N frame blue box. The 5 rivet boxes fit the target stocks. Magna stocked examples of the period used the 4 rivet K frame size. I see very few K frames fitted in N frame boxes, likely because most Masterpiece guns shipped with Magna stocks.
Hi Larry
I show that one shipping to Sports, Inc. in Chicago. Does the letter confirm that?
I show that one shipping to Sports, Inc. in Chicago. Does the letter confirm that?
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It was certainly manufactured in 1955, but when it shipped can only be determined by a historical letter. There are some in the database that did not ship for two years in this serial number range.
larryofcc
Member
Yes Sir. It does. Big Larry
Based upon those that I have had, as well as what I have seen and recorded, I can offer the following that may help you answer that question..... (1953 appears to be the date when there was a transition from gold to blue.)
1953 - SN range K175638--K--210095
(K180605 – Gold Picture Box, end printed “Smith & Wesson – K-22- Masterpiece - Blue Finish - 6” Barrel” – Loading Directions, etc. printed inside lid with no date - gold corner reinforcements )
(K196292 Gold Picture Box, both ends printed “Smith & Wesson – K-22- Masterpiece - Blue Finish - 6” Barrel” Loading Directions, etc. printed inside lid with no date - gold corner reinforcements)
(K205262 Gold Picture Box, end printed “Smith & Wesson – K-22- Masterpiece - Blue Finish - 6” Barrel” Loading Directions, etc. printed inside lid with no date - gold corner reinforcements)
(K206529 - Blue two-piece box, Smith & Wesson Inc. Springfield Mass - solid border on top, “Smith & Wesson - K 22Masterpiece - 6 inch Barrel Blue Finish” printed on end in silver, silver corner reinforcements, white grease pencil serial number on bottom, directions inside top in English and Spanish with no date)
1954 - SN range K-210096—K-231255
(K229552 Blue two-piece box, Smith & Wesson Inc. Springfield Mass - solid border on top, “Smith & Wesson - K 22Masterpiece - 6 inch Barrel Blue Finish” printed on end in silver, silver corner reinforcements)
