Have I become an original box & grips snob?

[two-bit cowboy]

When I first began to accumulate Chiefs I didn't pay much attention to condition so correct grips and boxes meant nothing to me.

After the herd grew I changed to want (not quite demand) matching serial numbered grips and better condition examples, which usually also came in the correct box. Many of those earlier any-condition-will-do Chiefs have since moved on.

A few of my Chiefs don't have number-matching grips, but I've come to pick up one of those only if the particular model is a bit hard to come by. For example, my only Baby Chiefs Special with a nickel finish came with non-diamond Chiefs Special grips that had been cut down to fit the Baby. I had an extra set of Baby Chiefs grips that actually fit pretty well so those non-diamond grips now live on a old I-frame Terrier back East somewhere.

If I had to call myself a name it wouldn't be snob, and I don't consider anyone who has high standards a snob, either.

 

[Old_Cop]

This is an interesting question but what kind of discount would you expect on a reg. mag. with incorrect grips and no box?

 

[Engine49guy]

I'm old enough to remember buying a shiney new model 66-2 for the police Academy, removing the factory wood grips replacing them with rubber pachmayers then carefully placing the wood stocks in the box and tossing it into the trash.
Back then it was just a tool for the job and most gun stores had boxes of factory grips on the counter by the register for $5 a set.

Times change

 

[bushmaster1313]

You should be able to find the correct presentation case for your Model 27-2.

Bill

The 27-2 came with its original presentation case but not the original box with the numbered sticker

 

[Narragansett]

This is an interesting question but what kind of discount would you expect on a reg. mag. with incorrect grips and no box?

Very good question. However, the air is a little thin for me in this area. I do not know what they are worth, and most certainly do not know how to estimate the added value of the box.

I suppose I need to retract my original statement a bit. When I said I was more concerned about the condition of the gun, as opposed to having the box, I was no doubt speaking to the 1950 to 1982 era where most of my collection falls.

I did buy a rather nice 38/44 Outdoorsman, that I would not have bought without the original grips, and the grease pencil marked box

 

[larryofcc]

I have a near mint pre war 38-44 Outdoorsman.
It is in its original blue picture box with the tape and correct serial number.
The gun also sports pre war magnas that also number to the gun.
it went to an individual named Bernard Vanderbrook in 1940.
Pretty revolver, it also sports a ringed Humpback Hammer also mentioned in the letter.
I probably would not have bought this gun without the box. No papers and no SAT. Big Larry

 

[Inland7-45]

I have S&W revolvers both with and without box. I have a model 36, an 18 a 27 and a 34 that were purchased new between 1968 and 1978. At the time I thought of older guns as being collectable while I looked at the guns from the late 60s onward as guns that were bought for a specific purpose. I really did not give any consideration to the future collectibility of these guns. Unfortunately with the exception of the model 27 a no longer have the boxes or paperwork. I carried and used these guns and took good care of them but did not give any consideration to boxes or even the original stocks. As time passed I gained a greater understanding of what it means to be a collector. Over the last few years I have added some nice S&Ws from the 1930s to early 1970,s. I am focused on guns from 1900-1980. The first thing that I look at is overall condition, right hand stock panel numbered to gun and factory installed options.I am ok with factory refinish if the gun is priced accordingly. Not having the box would not be a deal breaker and I would pay extra if present.

 

[BC38]

As Doc44 noted above you should be able to find the correct presentation case for your 27-2. In general, the wood presentation cases were not numbered to a specific gun. And they really are nice. You could also have a custom case made for your gun … like this one for one of my 3.5" 27-2s.









Good luck!!!

MAN! That is just SO over-the-top! Thanks for sharing.

 

[BC38]

I'm old enough to remember buying a shiney new model 66-2 for the police Academy, removing the factory wood grips replacing them with rubber pachmayers then carefully placing the wood stocks in the box and tossing it into the trash.
Back then it was just a tool for the job and most gun stores had boxes of factory grips on the counter by the register for $5 a set.

Times change

BOY HOWDY do they ever!

 

[chief38]

Well I guess I am a "gun snob" too! I really like and prefer a complete package which includes the original condition gun, paper work, tools and pristine box. I'd say at least 85% - 90% of my collection is that way (complete) but I do have a few that were just gun only purchases. What I do in that case is I try and find an original factory box, paper work and tools that would be period and model correct for that specific gun. Obviously the serial number won't match the box but I do the best I can. Thankfully most of mine were purchased complete and original.

Original factory grips are still out there from time to time but obviously getting harder to find and more expensive as time goes on. I've got a descent stash of them that I have squirreled away over the years but since I rarely need to use one as a replacement myself, I might decide to sell the "back ups" one of these days.