S&W .32 CF SA The Latch on a Factory Wood Case

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Over the last few years, I have collected a couple of these cases. One is missing
the hardware and the other looks like the pic below. I've wondered if there was
some sort of "key" that came with the box originally that would fit into the rectan-
gular slot and act like a latch.

Do any of you have one of these boxes with an intact latch?

Cheers!
Webb

 

[mmaher94087]

Webb, the hole in the latch is where a bow shaped piece of brass was attached. The hole was punched part way through the brass leaving the bow to latch like a spring in the latch piece on the bottom of the box. I'll see if I can take a picture later today unless someone beats me to it.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

I was wondering about that. The last box I received had these
appendages on the brass escutcheon/latch. See Pics.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[mmaher94087]

Webb, I checked my box latches, and they all look like photo's 4, 5, and 7. The bow latch-piece (hook) is similar to the one in photo 6 but is a bit more rounded. Let me know if you'd still like photos.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Sure, I think seeing more examples is valuable. I was toying
with the idea of making dies to make replacement escutcheon
and hasp. I've never made a die for a making a barrel type hinge
but it is doable (but not right away).

Thank you for your offer!
Cheers!
Webb

 

[mmaher94087]

My statement: "The bow latch-piece (hook) is similar to the one in photo 6 but is a bit more rounded.", The photos attached seem to prove the 'rounded' wording is incorrect. Pass the crow, please. The photos:

 

[Boulder350]

Wow Mike, Beautiful collection!

 

[mmaher94087]

I'm a sucker for the .32 CF, single action, top breaks. I've rescued (rebuilt) four junk, parts or organ doner revolvers in the last two years. My parameters are that they must have all serial number matching parts, original finish and no modifications. The blue one, mottled grips, without the box in photo one is a rescue. I recently rescued an early eccentric strain screw type and have a blue 6" on my desk. I'm always looking for parts. Presently, I am looking for a pair of wood grips, late Young-style grips and a cylinder stop spring.

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

A lovely collection. Thanks for sharing! There is one thing I am curious
about. I would like to know what you think are the original type of nails
used to hold the hinges, hasp and escutcheon on.

Cheers!
Webb