S&W presentation case

[bbtrout]

Have a very nice 6" first year S&W model 57 wearing its original coke stocks which came to me in the case shown in the photos below. I've never seen a '64/65 model 57 which did not come in the traditional half-clamshell mahogany presentation case with the blue/purple velour cloth lining used for the early 57s. This case has virtually the same dimensions, but has half-clamshell inserts with a red satin lining reminiscent of the thin blue satin lining material used in the pre-29 revolver black and blue cases. The outer faux woodgrain covering is the first I've seen on a S&W size wooden case. Any ideas except it is probably the insertion of a relined S&W half-clamshell insert set into an aftermarket case? Thanks for your help.

 

[Truckman]

The latch is an overcam style which I don't recall seeing on an OEM S&W case...The veneer covering is also suspect...I agree that the inserts were likely original in another box......Ben

 

[mmande]

I have seen those cases discussed on this forum before. I'm not sure about the lining but they were used for a short time for the model 57s. Joe Cebull and Bill Cross should be along shortly with a much more accurate explanation.
Mike

 

[Doc44]

These cases were shipped with a very few Model 57s in the late 64 early 65 time frame. They have been called transition cases, salesman sample cases, and perhaps a few other names. No one really knows their origin. S&W ordered a few and shipped out Model 57s with them. All of the other ones I have seen have the inserts covered with blue satin. These cases were first displayed by collectors at a S&WCA annual meeting in the mid-1980s. I was given one by Harrison Carroll in the early 90s as he did not know what to do with it.

Bill

 

[Hawg Rider]

I purchased a brand new 4" Model 57 (3 T's, P&R) in 1978, and it came with the mahogany presentation case with plastic inserts covered with the traditional blue flocking. The 57 was stolen the following year, and although I still had the wooden case, the inserts went missing sometime back in the day. Several years ago, Joe (jcelect) provided me with some beautiful new relined inserts. After 40+ years, I just recently replaced my stolen revolver with a 4" nickel Model 57 (1980) to go with the case. Call me nuts or just nostalgic, but now I feel that have closure!

 

[RKmesa]

Here is an early Model 57 and its "wood panel" presentation case that used to be part of my collection. Over the years there have been several threads where these cases were discussed...















They are an interesting piece of S&W history.