Fake Label on 651 Box?

[InTheWoods]

In a discussion in a previous thread on 651s, it was mentioned by a fellow observant member that the box label that came on the box to my 651 is not correct and should be machine printed and not hand written. The Standard Catalog seems to confirm this. I wanted to start a separate thread on this in order not to interfere with the OP's original thread. I have some learning to do.

I bought this revolver a few years ago with an auxiliary .22lr cylinder, the box, and a Jink's letter confirming the cylinder came with the gun. The box included the vapor paper and the appropriate ".22 M.R.F. Stainless Target Kit Gun Model 651" paperwork. No tools. The revolver was shipped October 23, 1985 and shipped to Lawman Supply Company in New Jersey. Box label:

Question: Are there exceptions to the machine printed labels during this era, some being handwritten as the need arose? Or, no exceptions and definitely faked? An inquiring mind needs to know! Thanks!

 

[chief38]

I will go out on a limb and say it could be real. I have a M65 that I bought in the late 1980's that has a hand written label (like yours) and I bought it brand new in a LGS - so I know there were no shenanigans. Just because they might have come out with machine printed labels before your gun was made does not necessarily mean yours is not real. Not saying it definitely is, but unless there are other obvious signs that it isn't - it could be.

 

[StrawHat]

I would imagine the standard, run of the mill, revolvers got the printed labels. The special, custom built revolvers were, special and outside of the printed scheme therefore the hand written label. At least that is my theory.

Kevin

 

[s&wchad]

I think it's a reproduction/fake label. I thought that when I saw your post in another thread, but didn't say anything.

Notice the torn away box skin to the right of the label and what looks like adhesive residue around it. I don't remember ever seeing that type of label on a box like that and "special" looks like it was written by a kid.

… Just my opinion, but you did ask!

 

[jcelect]

Labels

Here is the end label of a special ordered gun with 4 guns being made. The barrel length is wrong. It is a 10 5/8" barrel length and in the proper sized box of the fold over top type.

jcelect

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Is SB a conventional entry for STOCK?

While there are apparently no handwriting standards for filling out the labels, the writing here DOES look to me more childish than I have ever seen on any of my non-suspect labels.

 

[markeb]

Here's a pic of the label that my 651 lives in, although not serialized to the gun.

 

[DCWilson]

I agree with those who see this label as non-original. Replacement S&W box labels have been a standard item on Ebay over the years, and there are some on offer there right now.

Attached is a copy of what I believe to be a true S&W universal label for a Model 41 that was shipped in 1980. If you compare a true label to the label in the original post, you will notice that the dashed horizontal line just above the FRONT SIGHT and WO boxes is formed from smaller dashes than on the label in question, and are therefore more numerous; the same is true of the vertical lines that separate the fields reserved for the serial number.

Comparing both labels to the Ebay replacements, you will see that the label in the OP image more closely matches the Ebay specimens. Note too that the printed label in the OP and the Ebay image shows a wider margin with reference to printed text at the left and bottom edges.

The true label is exactly 3.75 x 1.25 inches. I suspect the other labels to be similar, but not identical. The square corner/round corner strikes me as irrelevant. I recall seeing replacement labels with square and round corners on Ebay in past years.

If someone can show me an unquestionably original label with the dashed lines composed of larger and less numerous dashes, then S&W would have used slightly different versions of the label and my argument falls apart.

 

[InTheWoods]

Thanks to all for the input. I won this gun in an auction a few years ago and got it for a great price (perhaps because the sharper among us were suspicious of the box). Even though I am not a serious collector, I do appreciate that the extra cylinder letters to the gun, even if the box is wrong. Still a happy man. Most important of all, I know enough now to not pass off the box as original to another buyer down the road.

This 651 is among a number of kit guns (or "kit" type guns) that get carried several times a week on my rural, wooded property. Others include a 34, 35, 63, 51, this 651, 631 (4 inch), and 60-15 (3 inch). All in great condition, but not a safe queen among them. Love these things. Adjustable sighted J-Frames rule!

Again, thanks.

 

[markeb]

It's possible you have the original box but the original label got damaged or just somehow went missing. Enjoy that fantastic Smith revolver.

Pics of your 651 are ok.

 

[Zipdog]

A fake label with the famous coffee stain treatment.

 

[magmag]

This is a 82-86 era handwritten label, bought it brand new from local LGS. There is a factory looking circle stamp (see arrow). I don't know if its actual factory stamp or maybe its a dealer stamp. But I tend to lean toward this is how it was shipped from factory.