Pre-27 box & accoutrements questions

[dbescher]

I've had the revolver for a good long time, the box and all of the other stuff came with it. I'm hoping to get some info about the latter:

Box: no markings on it anywhere and no evidence that anything has been erased. Is it possible that it's original to the weapon? Definitely not? No way to be sure?

Cleaning stuff: I know that the old patches and brushes aren't from the factory. Might any of the screwdrivers or other stuff be original to the revolver?

I appreciate your assistance!

 

[Fullmetaljacket]

That's a fine looking piece. Can you share the serial number on the butt? Is the model number stamped on the frame under the yoke? If we can date the revolver we may be able to at least tell you what box was standard at the time the gun was shipped. Same with the screwdriver. (Smith called them sight adjustment tools, SAT.)

 

[spin132]

That is one fine looking .357!

I have a pre-27 that shipped in 1950. Came with the items pictured.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[fleabus101]

Need a pic of the ends of the top lid. That shows what length barrel and finish the box is meant for..

 

[rincar]

My pre 27 serial number is 75794. Is that box close to that number.

 

[dbescher]

Thanks all. The serial number is S85251. I'm out until late tomorrow, so I'll add pics of all surfaces of the box then in case they help. However, there is literally nothing written in pencil on the box, anywhere, which is what led me to ask in the first place. I've had it 2" from my nose under various strong lights a dozen times, trying to find faint numbers or evidence of erasure. I'm 100% sure there are no pencil traces and 95% sure that there never were any.

The box is definitely for a 6" .357 because it fits the piece perfectly, but that's the end of the useful info. I guess I could add that this is my only pre-27 but I have several other 1950-1957 N Frames with boxes that are absolutely original and correctly numbered, so I'm also sure that the box is for a six-incher.

Looks like I might have 3 S&W screwdrivers, which is nice to know. They're all exact fits for the grip screws and otherwise identical except for the fact that one of the looks a lot newer than the rest. I'll probably pick one and put the rest in the miscellaneous parts drawer. If anyone could use one, let me know.

 

[AC Man]

I was tolt that screwdriver 8 or 9 row was used until 1959 or 1960 from what I remember.

 

[Doc44]

I believe the the correct cleaning rod would be made of aluminum as the all steel rod finished in black oxide predates your .357 Magnum. Either of the sight screwdrivers finished in black oxide would be correct. The sight screwdriver with the steel handle and nickel plated predates your .357 Magnum. The cleaning brush may be original to your gun. The twisted wire brush predates your revolver.

The box may be correct for a 6-inch .357 Magnum, but is not original to your revolver as it would have the serial number written on the bottom in black grease pencil. I realize the writing may have faded or been rubbed off over the years, but there is always some part of it that can be seen, however faint.

Bill