Clamshell latch question

[jay72]

Does anyone know when the "SMS Made in England" latch was replaced with the newer latch on the clamshell cases and later presentation cases?

 

[Doc44]

The latches made by SMS in England were used on cases at the same time the latches made by Presto Lock Co. in Garfield, NJ were used. One batch of cases was made using one style of latch and another batch using the other. Eventually, latches made by Presto Lock Co. were used exclusively. I don't know the actual time frame, but I would guess by 1967 the supply of latches made by SMS was exhausted. Since cases were not numbered to the revolver after 1956 (generally), and cases could be switched, there is really no way to know for certain.

Bill