If the handbook does date from that time frame, it also suggests that the less elaborate Stetson 100 boxes are earlier in vintage -- with the more elaborate Stetson 100 boxes dating from the late 50's on. Discuss amongst yourselves...
Cheers,
JtL
I've always thought that and brought it up once early on. The other opinions at the time were that the leather case came first. I'm still going with the non-leather as being earlier....
B