Could this be the original box for a Colt 1909 Army?

[ejohne]

My dealer recently offered on Gunsamerica an unfired Colt 1909 Army in .45 LC. It was sold with a box that was unmarked. He asked me to ask you closet Colt collectors on the S&W Forum your opinions regarding the originality of this box to the revolver. Me, I don't know anything more, but I can refer any questions to him.
Thanks,
John

 

[Gordon]

Looks like what I heard the original issue boxes were like. Prolly Very valuable, shoulda gone with the gun I'm into guns not there boxes however

 

[Old Fuff]

The model 1909 Army revolvers were shipped by Colt directly to the Manila Ordnance Depot in the Philippine Islands in 1000 gun shipments. As they had to go by steamer I’m sure they were packed in wood crates and sealed against saltwater corrosion. The paper wrap shown in the picture also seems likely to be something made or used at a later date. Last but not least, the box is absolutely devoid of any markings, and the military delight in having all kinds of labels.

At a later date the remaining revolvers were sold as surplus after sufficient model 1911 pistols were available to replace them. The box might well date from when the gun originally in it was sold, rather then when it was purchased.

Last but not least, it is possible that the few hundred model 1909’s that didn’t go to the Philippine Islands were boxed individually, but I still wonder about the lack of markings.

 

[Majic]

I can't see a handgun coming out of inventory with no label at all. How would they know what model was in the box?

 

[Johnny Guest]

Kinda interesting looking box, though - -

ejohne, do you have photos, or can you examine, the very bottom part of the box, both inside and out? Pistol boxes were frequently marked (mostly by Colt's, but by others as well) with the serial number, handwritten in pencil. The metal reinforcements at the box corners are exactly the same type as on a couple of old Smith & Wesson boxes I have.

Also, you can often tell much by the rub pattern on the inside of the box bottom.

Best,
Johnny