Provenence for Blue Picture Boxes

[1Aspenhill]

I learned at the Tulsa Gun Show that we now know that a 38/44 Outdoorsman was shipped from the factory in June 1932 in a Blue Picture Box. Gun and serial numbered box remain together today. Hope this helps all of us that are constantly trying to zero in when they actually started using these boxes.
Hope this helps,
Bill

 

[1Aspenhill]

I learned at the Tulsa Gun Show that we now know that a 38/44 Outdoorsman was shipped from the factory in June 1932 in a Blue Picture Box. Gun and serial numbered box remain together today. Hope this helps all of us that are constantly trying to zero in when they actually started using these boxes.
Hope this helps,
Bill

 

[JayCeeNC]

Thanks for the info, Bill.

 

[rburg]

Thats interesting, and its much earlier than any of us have considered them to be shipped. Most of us have figured that the N frame guns were still being shipped in the hinged Maroon boxes in that time period. I'm aware of on 2nd Model 44 Target that was shipped in a maroon box with a 35000s serial. Thats not a big shocker, S&W was known for not shipping guns, accessories, or anything else in numeric order.

My guess was always that the blue picture boxes kind of started and were more an RM thing with the 38/44 following. But its also pretty well assumed that the 38/44 and the early 357s were part of the same product line.

 

[Guest]

Bill; Did you happen to make a note or remember the serial number 'range' of this 38/44 Outdoorsman? MAK

 

[1Aspenhill]

KKG-
It was mid 41000.
Hope that helps,
Bill