Does the wooden box increase the value of a used gun over the blue box? Is the wood box numbered? Were they scarce with 28's or 29's? I'm looking for a nice shooter, in the box,how much more should I pay for the wood box and tools? Can't decide 27 or 28, want to shoot and collect, cant decide if wood box is worth it?..Maybe I should stick to K frames!!! Thanks for your opinions.....
N frame presentation box questions
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Never seen an HP with a wood box.
rog8732
US Veteran
I don't know if; or how much; increase in price you should pay for the correct presentation box with the gun, certainly equal or more than for a cardboard , but if you buy a model 29 or 27 and later decide you want a complete presentation package, you can expect to pay several hundred bucks for a nice one.
I don't believe any of the model 28 N frames were in presentation boxes as noted by gmborkovic already.
I don't believe any of the model 28 N frames were in presentation boxes as noted by gmborkovic already.
In my opinion, the wood presentation case adds value mostly when the gun is in pristine condition. Then, the entire package (gun, case, tools, paperwork) is in the realm of what collectors look for, where such things are important, and a case is integral to overall value of the "set".
For many of us, in the "accumilator" category, depending on the condition of the gun, the case is not as important and that extra "window dressing" needlessly adds cost when the gun is in "shooter" grade and is less for show than using.
But there are also those that want the case regardless, and are willing to pay extra.
M28's are utility grade "service guns" and only came in the blue factory box, the M27's, M29's, M57's were common with the presentation cases. The cases are not numbered to the gun.
It used to be that if you're looking for a "plain Jane" shooter, the M-28 was the best value, because it was a no-frills, inexpensive version of the M-27 that performed every bit as well. But the M-28's prices have been driven up quite a bit by more people now realizing just how good they are and the resulting increase in demand. Used to be a good M-28 could be had in the sub $500 range... not anymore.
Hope that helps.
For many of us, in the "accumilator" category, depending on the condition of the gun, the case is not as important and that extra "window dressing" needlessly adds cost when the gun is in "shooter" grade and is less for show than using.
But there are also those that want the case regardless, and are willing to pay extra.
M28's are utility grade "service guns" and only came in the blue factory box, the M27's, M29's, M57's were common with the presentation cases. The cases are not numbered to the gun.
It used to be that if you're looking for a "plain Jane" shooter, the M-28 was the best value, because it was a no-frills, inexpensive version of the M-27 that performed every bit as well. But the M-28's prices have been driven up quite a bit by more people now realizing just how good they are and the resulting increase in demand. Used to be a good M-28 could be had in the sub $500 range... not anymore.
Hope that helps.
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OP
Yes, all these answers helped, the more the better! Learn everytime I post here. Thanks
cruiserdan
Member
The presentation case is a plus in my view. If anything, it adds appeal if you chose to sell the gun. I'm not sure the cost of a nice case added to the cost of a nice gun missing the case would be as cost-effective as finding a cased gun in the first place. Do count on finding broken or damaged case liners in most instances. Joe Cebull can fix damaged liners and cases. He does beautiful work.
Originally, the 44 Magnum was the only S&W shipped with a presentation case. Throughout most of 1956, the cases were numbered to the revolver and are highly desirable. In 1964, the Model 57 was introduced with a mahogany case. The first year guns have a case with a special velour lining that is highly desirable also. In 1975, the Model 25 and 27 had a mahogany case added, joining the Model 29 and Model 57. Original cases from the mid to late 70s to mid-80s add value to the overall package. The amount depends on condition, but usually is around $200-$300.
Bill
Bill
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l have a few of the later post 'clamshell' cases. 0nes of hard plastic and
slots are pretty easy to repair.. The interior is covered in flox.. A fibrous
substance sprinkled on some type of adhesive.. Available any craft store
like Hobby Lobby... End result is pretty close to factory finish. Takes practice
to match color/finish of originals.. Last ones issued with the little tray
finished in thin foam rubber cant be duplicated. The foam was trash the
day before it was ever used... Most just recover using some type of fabric.
Flannel seems to be the most popular..
slots are pretty easy to repair.. The interior is covered in flox.. A fibrous
substance sprinkled on some type of adhesive.. Available any craft store
like Hobby Lobby... End result is pretty close to factory finish. Takes practice
to match color/finish of originals.. Last ones issued with the little tray
finished in thin foam rubber cant be duplicated. The foam was trash the
day before it was ever used... Most just recover using some type of fabric.
Flannel seems to be the most popular..
Cases
One very important side note(IMHO) to having a presentation case is the type of liner! The Mahogany Presentation case was used from 1960 to about 1983 and could be purchased as an after market item until 1985. During this time period S&W used 4 different types of liners made and/or covered with different materials. ALL of these different types deteriorated over time whether used to store a gun or not! A period correct case is important to a good collectors piece! Doc44 has written an excellent expert commentary on this subject!
jcelect
One very important side note(IMHO) to having a presentation case is the type of liner! The Mahogany Presentation case was used from 1960 to about 1983 and could be purchased as an after market item until 1985. During this time period S&W used 4 different types of liners made and/or covered with different materials. ALL of these different types deteriorated over time whether used to store a gun or not! A period correct case is important to a good collectors piece! Doc44 has written an excellent expert commentary on this subject!
jcelect
Abbynormal
Member
Like said above, the S&W cases could be bought without guns. Back in the
70's & 80's a lot of the guns that came with a case were sold/traded and thus
became separated from their cases which were sold separately.
So it wasn't unusual to find used cases at LGD's and especially at gun shows.
I remember buying one for $20 at a gun show. Even had the key for the lock!
70's & 80's a lot of the guns that came with a case were sold/traded and thus
became separated from their cases which were sold separately.
So it wasn't unusual to find used cases at LGD's and especially at gun shows.
I remember buying one for $20 at a gun show. Even had the key for the lock!
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