I have a Model 57 with serial #607XXX which, according to SCSW, was born in 1979-1980. Which way should the gun be pointed when in the presentation case? I think it is riding the wave and I have seen conflicting information. Thanks!
Which Presentation Case Liner?
- Thread starter JeffD607
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The correct style of presentation depends on when your Model 57 actually shipped, but the serial number puts in the area where the revolver could point to the left or right. Without an actual shipping date, it is difficult to provide a better opinion.
Bill
Bill
As Doc44 says, it's sometimes difficult to determine which way the revolver points in the mahogany presentation cases. Here's my nickel Model 57 ca. 1980-1981, and the box liner agrees with the description in the "SCSW 5th Ed." of the separate molded tool compartment (1978-1981). However, it doesn't agree with "the barrel points to the left" since my barrel points to the right! Prior to 1978, the tools had individual molded slots. Most of the cases I've seen from that period have the barrel pointing to the left. I guess you never really know with S&W! I believe that your inserts would be the same as mine shown below. Maybe jcelect (our resident presentation case guru) will chime in with his inputs.
To the OP! Your question has no definite answer without a ship date and then it is anyone's educate guess. The case pictured above was introduced sometime in 1979. The next question would be the number of cases, of the preceding style, waiting to be shipped as S&W used all available stock before changing. A factory letter could possibly mention the gun being shipped in a presentation case, but it would not have the style of liner being used. S&W used 4 different styles of liners in their presentation cases from 1960-1983. The one pictured above, 1979-1983, is the only liner where the gun pointed to the right.
jcelect
jcelect
OP
It came with a presentation case that was pointing to the left (cracked, of course) and I believe everything was original. it's right on the fence as far as manufacture date, so I'm going to go with the using up liners theory for now and keep it pointing to the left. Thanks again!
Ones I make. These won't break. Flocked in royal or navy. Foam top or ribbed tray top. All sixes of N frame available. K's are made in 4", 6" and 8-3/8"Originality is a bit of an issue. First--you don't know if a gun came with a presentation case. Some were shipped in a simple cardboard box. Lots of those guns may now live in presentation cases, even though they never came with one. Second--if I see a box with a brand new blue liner, I know it isn't original to the gun. Few original flawless liners still exist and more are self destructing as time goes by. Third-most people will never know if it's original to the gun unless it's a die hard collector. There were technically only two colors but on the original blue from the 70's, I've seen different color variations from the era. And the ones being made now are the best color variant that is available NOW. Having a company create a replicated correct flock color is expensive. And which 70's variation to use?
The guns pointing to the right and have the tool box and lid. Those were not molded in the same type of mold and plastic. That box that holds the tools is difficult to correctly mold due to the way the mold was made. I'm not able to afford the type of mold that requires. I know how it was made and the quantity of these that can be sold isn't worth the expense of the mold.
Say what you will--but I believe you should buy what you like.
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