Box

[danalex]

I wonder, dealer stamp or s&w?
Anyone have one of these bottles?

 

[glowe]

That box appears to come from the early 1900s. I have had some from that era with the 3 in 1 Oil stamp. I believe the top label for UMC ammo was added at a distributor or retail store as there was no mention of brand of revolver. The serial number on the bottom indicates that box and gun probably left the factory in or around 1908. It should have had an end label??

 

[danalex]

unfortunately not the original box

 

[BMur]

Sample bottles

Major Distributors often would apply manufacturers advertising labels on these boxes. Often on the inside bottom.

The 3 in 1 oil sample bottle was very common and is the source of stains found inside the old boxes from the sample leaking oil.

I actually have one that came in a rustic color box containing a S&W 32cf SA. They are very small tubular shaped glass bottles with a tiny paper label on them.
Introduced in the 1890’s as an alternative to whale oil.
See photos.
You can find them on eBay.
The earliest bottle is the white one that originally had a label on it. Mine still has the label that is oil stained,
The green bottle is not a sample bottle. Those were actually for purchase for a couple pennies back in the day.

Murph

 

[BMur]

Better photo

This is actually a more accurate photo of the original 1890’s sample bottle that often found its way into gun boxes.
The photo is reversed but accurate and has the original label. Rare bird.

Murph

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,


This is a little better...


Cheers!
Webb

 

[BMur]

Flashback

Oh,
Thanks Webb.
I also remember now that the sample bottle came wrapped with a very small waxed paper advertising various size bottles for sale. Almost like a Bazooka bubble gum.

Murph