S&W 1970-71 early "N" serial#, correct factory S&W box

[tgoose1]

I realize anything is possible, but how likely would it be to find a 1970-71 manufactured N-frame in its' original factory box that is NOT marked "Bangor-Punta"? I'm referring to the pre-Bangor, solid silver outlined boxes per attached pic. I've seen a couple boxed N-frames for sale recently in the older boxes and would like the expert's view on authenticity of an early N-frame shipped from the factory in a non Bangor-Punta marked box? Thanks for any input on the subject.

 

[Ashlander]

I have been with big corporations in my career and know for a fact that nobody in their right mind throws away packaging materials that could be useful. Afterall, Bangor-Punta paid for the boxes in the acquisition, so why not use them. I could be wrong, but I just don't think the folks on the shipping floor were all that nuts-up over what boxes they stuck guns in (certainly not as much as a collector 40 years later).

 

[Doc44]

There should be a label on the end of the box with the model, serial number, etc. Is there a serial number on the bottom of the box? If the box has no label or markings, it is unlikely it is original to the revolver.

Bill

 

[loeman]

As Bill just posted, if the box has no end label then the box is probably not original. However, if it does have the label then perhaps.

I very recently inquired about the likelihood of S&W shipping nickel guns in blue boxes. The norm was nickel guns ship in gray boxes. Several responders assured me that the factory DID ship nickel guns from time to time in blue boxes. Several folks had even bought them new from the store. So, as you said. "Anything is possible". And leftover boxes from an earlier regime were probably never thrown away.

 

[tgoose1]

Yes, there is a box label with correct sn# and model information of the revolver in question. As we all know, having a correct looking end label does not always mean factory "original". Just seems like 4-5 years after acquiring S&W, Bangor-Punta marked boxes would be the norm for most/all models, but evidently not the case. This is a big deal if we're considering purchase price for a NIB unfired outside of factory, early S&W 27-2 "N" serial in such a box. Was looking for more evidence from those who have the above. Thanks again for assisting.

 

[Doc44]

Please post a photo of the end label as that may help determine if it is authentic.

Bill

 

[tgoose1]

Box label pic per request, blue box has a solid silver boarder per pic above in first post, no Bangor-Punta logo. A couple of eBay sellers list reproduction S&W labels that look exactly like originals, a well known fact. The other end of the box has silver printed general information ie., S&W name, model number, barrel length.

 

[Doc44]

The end label looks correct to me. I would say your package is original. I have a ".357" Magnum shipped in December 1952 in a box made for a Pre-War Magnum numbered to the revolver. S&W rarely threw anything away.

Bill

 

[tgoose1]

Bill, thanks for your input, much appreciated.

 

[Tired Gunsmith]

We received 1950 Model .44 Spl revolvers in boxes marked model 1926

 

[Dennis The B]

I own a Model 27-2, 6.5" barrel. The serial number is N31xxx. The box is came in is marked "Bangor Punta". The end label is not marked with "Bangor Punta".

As Ashlander wrote, S&W probably used labels, boxes, etc., to exhaust.