Got the model 90 cuffs in today and they're alot more shiny then the other 2 I've had. The box says model 90 (which I have another mint pair of) but these are definately more nickled looking. My question, did the model 91's come in a model 90 box? I've was quite pleased when I opened them.
Thanks,
Tim
Hi Joseph,
It may have very well been in the early stages. I pulled out a pair of the "High Polish" marked model 90's, and a pair of the marked model 91's, in the respective boxes. The model 91's have a much more "chrome" appearance than the High polish. Might actually be that the model 91 was a slightly different finish than the model 90 high polish, which was basically nothing more than the regular nickle finish that had been machined to a high gleam. I would have to cross reference the serial numbers, but I believe the High Polish 90's are from the late 60's, whereas the model 91's are from my year of birth, 1965. Smith was pretty good at changing styles, finishes, and models back then, based on who actually owned the company and how much money they were putting into it. The quality of a pair of model 90 regular finish from the 50's thru the mid 60's was much better than a pair made in the late 70's, both in fit and finish. The Bangor Punta days were , in my opinion, the worst quality for both the cuffs and the handguns. I can remember sending brand new model 66 revolvers back to the factory because the cylinder was wedged against the frame due to poor fitting and horrendous quality control. They seem to be much better now, but I never have liked the model 100, mainly because of the ugly sintered finish, and the easily manipulated double lock. I have no clue how to be an escape artist, but I do know if you slam the M-100 hard on a desk, they will double lock themselves. Try it sometime on a pair you don't like.
Tim
