Nox Rust, Vapor Paper, VCI

[gripper]

From 1896 to 1961 what were the different types or configurations of anti corrosion paper Smith & Wesson used to wrap and ship guns with? I have a number of in box guns from this time period and am curious which ones have the correct paper. Some of the paper is plain, some have "Nox Rust" in print, and some printed "Smith & wesson" in blue ink. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks, Chad

 

[handejector]

VCI paper was invented in WW II. I did some research on the net about it. We were suddenly shipping precision parts and gear around the world to be stored under all kinds of conditions and climates.
I think S&W started after WW II with some plain (probably plain for WW II). In some early guns we see the "Nox Rust" printing, and then we soon go into the S&W printed VCI.
I think there were times in the early years after WW II when the factory ran out, or could not get VCI paper. In these times, up into the early 50's, we see the factory revert to what they used prior to WW II- brown (kinda Khaki) tissue paper.

 

[gripper]

Lee, Thanks for the information. Over the years alot of things seem to get both taken and replaced from these old boxes. I have seen different varieties of paper and just wanted to know what was correct and what wasn't. I guess its another aspect of keeping these old in box guns correct and original as possible. -Chad

 

[aterry33]

Lee, so you're saying that the idea of specially-treated papers began in WWII? Were papers in boxes prior to this simply plain paper?

Great question, gripper. I have always wondered about that.

 

[handejector]

In these times, up into the early 50's, we see the factory revert to what they used prior to WW II- brown (kinda Khaki) tissue paper.

....brown tissue