Vintage model 41 L.G.S. find

[PaulDoc]

I don't really have a cool story to tell regarding this one other than I was very fortunate and lucky. It came with original box, tools, two weights (steel and aluminum), and two compensators (the larger one that is on the gun and the smaller one).

 

[cherrypointmarine]

A deal like that I'd make up a story . That's got to be a once in a life time find .

 

[PaulDoc]

A deal like that I'd make up a story . That's got to be a once in a life time find .

I can't believe the model's I have come across these past few years. Along with the information and great people on this forum I also have some great mentors that have helped me along the way.

 

[Larks]

Nice find and looks to be in lovely condition. Congratulations!

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Nice, nice, very nice.

 

[larryofcc]

Three cheers for the Firefighter. Big Larry

 

[AJ]

Nice find!

 

[oysterer]

this is x-rated nice

 

[Bastogne71]

I don't really have a cool story to tell regarding this one other than I was very fortunate and lucky. It came with original box, tools, two weights (steel and aluminum), and two compensators (the larger one that is on the gun and the smaller one).

Paul,
That's a great find! I'd date it to the summer of 1962. The box insert without the provision for the 5 1/2" barrel is correct as that barrel wasn't introduced until August 1963. Your "smaller compensator" is a False Muzzle cap. I'd recommend you to use this because the compensator is very hard to clean and, being aluminum, is easy to damage.
You said it's the original box so I assume the serial number is hand written on the bottom. I'd love to see some more pictures of the box top and ends. A range report would be nice too.

 

[PaulDoc]

Paul,
That's a great find! I'd date it to the summer of 1962. The box insert without the provision for the 5 1/2" barrel is correct as that barrel wasn't introduced until August 1963. Your "smaller compensator" is a False Muzzle cap. I'd recommend you to use this because the compensator is very hard to clean and, being aluminum, is easy to damage.
You said it's the original box so I assume the serial number is hand written on the bottom. I'd love to see some more pictures of the box top and ends. A range report would be nice too.

Thank you for the great information. The box did not have the grease pencil serial# on the bottom. On one side of the box it got old school paint. On the other it has an upside down label. I will send pictures for you to look at. Please share any discrepancies you notice. It's all about the education for me.

 

[PaulDoc]

Box pictures

All the box I have.

 

[Bastogne71]

Your box looks correct for a 1962 model 41. The solid silver band on the top, the two line address on the lower right corner, and the model designation on the end are all correct for a pre 1966 box.
However, I do not believe the stick on label is original. That style labeling was started by Bangor Punta when they took S&W over in 1965. The writing, even on a label that old, should be clearly readable, not faded to near invisibility.
Here's pictures of my September 1959 box which is nearly identical to yours except mine is for a 5 inch barrel. It's the one on top. The bottom box is for a November 1957 model 41.

 

[PaulDoc]

Your box looks correct for a 1962 model 41. The solid silver band on the top, the two line address on the lower right corner, and the model designation on the end are all correct for a pre 1966 box.
However, I do not believe the stick on label is original. That style labeling was started by Bangor Punta when they took S&W over in 1965. The writing, even on a label that old, should be clearly readable, not faded to near invisibility.
Here's pictures of my September 1959 box which is nearly identical to yours except mine is for a 5 inch barrel. It's the one on top. The bottom box is for a November 1957 model 41.

I agree with you. I found out from Roy that she was shipped Aug of 1964. I think a gun shop probably put that sticker on at some point. Would you try to take it off? Thx for your replies. It is much appreciated. Doc

 

[Mike0251]

I would not touch that label as in my opinion it is the factory label. I have a few S&W's where they used red ink on the label and red fades much quicker than black or blue and I can see your serial number on the label too. My 1965 M41 also has the label upside down as well and is of no concern. Pics below for your info.

 

[Bastogne71]

I would leave the label alone. You could damage the box by attempting to remove it and make a bad situation much worse. I'm sure that there is a solvent that will soften the glue without damaging the box but I don't know what it may be. If we had a box to sacrifice, we could safely experiment.

Your model 41 demonstrates the difficulty of dating any S&W by serial number without the factory records that Roy Jinks has. My database, obtained mostly from his posts, show that number 49121 was shipped two months before yours was. In fact, I'm showing 19 model 41's with higher serial numbers than yours that were shipped before Aug 1964. This is uncommon but I have several more examples of odd shipping dates.

 

[oysterer]

Label is just perfectly fine and very nicely faded over all those decades. This box comes from a time when owners would all but throw the boxes in the waste basket. No one cared back then for label up side down, red or blue pen....

 

[cmansguns]

upside down for merchant display

Most of my Smith & Wesson's that have the original box indeed have the end tag upside down for those that are two piece boxes.

I have always understood that the reason was for dealer display in glass gun cases so that when the gun is visible laying in the bottom half, the inverted top half underneath meant that the label was visible upright and correct for reading by the prospective client.

Made sense to me.

My Model 745 is a Nov 1987 shipment per Roy and it was in a one piece box with Julian date code so no need for upside down.

My 22/32 Target was a September 1915 shipment and also a "one piece" in that it was two pieces but joined with a fabric full length hinge. Gun s/n faint but readable in pencil on bottom.

I'd say the OP's box and label is correct and a mreal sweet find of a gun too!

 

[PaulDoc]

Great information all

Thank you guys for all that information. This forum never ceases to amaze me with the knowledge and the comradery. The one thing I've learned is not to rush into anything that I'm not sure of. You guys probably saved me from some heartache. Both with the box and the anodized aluminum compensator. Much appreciation to you all. Doc

 

[kleiss1]

I have 48998. No box though.