S&W box?

[Major E.A. Sterner]

Since this forum includes "Other firearm collecting" I was wondering what an older Smith and Wesson box for a Model 36 Blue Chief Special Round butt with the unopened tool kit and part of the warranty card.The date inside the box if April 15 ,1955 It is a 2 piece box in very good shape,no tears very little fading. any ideas on value? Thanks

 

[Tucsonite]

Well the date in the box is just a patent date for the box. Is the box red or blue? does it have an end label stuck to it or is it a printed end ? all variations affect value. A red box could sell for well over $100 while later blue box depending on which variation, is still probably worth close to $100. condition is everything and barrel length is important too. is there a serial number on the end label or on the bottom of the box written in grease pencil ?


Dan

 

[rugerguy]

I agree with AZ Dan as to it possibly being the "older" red , two piece box.........the later ones can vary on the cheaper side, blue two piece boxes, two line address being the first of the 'blue' boxes, and then later the three line address (Bango Punta) 1966 being even a bit cheaper.....as Dan noted, all depends on the markings, conditions......last 36 box (blued Bangor Punta) we sold, we got $35 for the BOX, the manauls run in the $10 range, and the cleaning kit (sealed) run around $15-20, and higher for the models that have the sight adjustment tool (screw driver) being the 36 is fixed sights, they did NOT have the driver in them................
yes, that date on the inside of the lid (April 15,1955) is on most all of the older boxes, that is the copyright date for the info printed on the inside of the lid......................end labels (stickers) and serial number printed on the bottom of the box, are more defining............

 

[Major E.A. Sterner]

here are some pictures of the box

 

[rugerguy]

pre Bangor Punta box and in that condition, with the cleaning kit, papers (owners manual), would be in the $60 range around here (see, buy and sell them at the OGCA)....maybe a bit more in an auction, if someone really needed it......................my guess that serial number is late 1961

 

[Major E.A. Sterner]

Thanks Dan, that gives me a place to start.