larryofcc
SWCA Member
About how much is the going rate for a 1948 49 vintage all matching K38 Masterpiece with the tapered bbl.? I don't want a heavy bbl. At least 95%. Thanks, Big Larry
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Pre M14 K-38 Masterpiece values
- Thread starter larryofcc
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I'm not sure we see enough of the tapered barreled K-38's being bought and sold to establish whether or not they bring any significant premium over the heavy barrels. They're definitely harder to find, so you'd think the scarcity factor alone would be worth a few dollars more, but I'm just not sure that's happening in the real world.
That said, I'd think prices should be comparable for either variation.
Mark
That said, I'd think prices should be comparable for either variation.
Mark
I have bought two straight barrel K-38s from 1950 in the last 18 months at about $600 each. If you can find a nice light-barrel version I'd guess you would probably be in for $575-600 at a minimum; don't be surprised if the seller wants $700 or a little more to reflect a scarcity premium.
If you get one, you've got to post pictures!
If you get one, you've got to post pictures!
Thanks. I found one recently but the bbl. was not numbered and it had target accessories. Too early for that I am sure. The un numbered bbl. turned me off.
My bro in law has one close to this one and it does have a numbered bbl. Maybe some were not numbered, but I will get a numbered one anyway. No way to tell. Maybe one will turn up at the August Reno show. Thanks all,
Big Larry
My bro in law has one close to this one and it does have a numbered bbl. Maybe some were not numbered, but I will get a numbered one anyway. No way to tell. Maybe one will turn up at the August Reno show. Thanks all,
Big LarryBig Larry,
The early K38 Masterpiece with tapered, narrow-rib barrel is a true classic. They are out there, but be prepared to pay a premium. I was fortunate to pick this one up in Tulsa last Fall. It shipped from the factory in October 1948. No docs or cleaning kit but all numbers match . . . including the box.
The only thing better than an early tapered barrel 6” K38 Masterpiece is a complete set . . . including the 5” and 4” 38 Combat Masterpieces.
Good luck in your quest,
Russ
The early K38 Masterpiece with tapered, narrow-rib barrel is a true classic. They are out there, but be prepared to pay a premium. I was fortunate to pick this one up in Tulsa last Fall. It shipped from the factory in October 1948. No docs or cleaning kit but all numbers match . . . including the box.
The only thing better than an early tapered barrel 6” K38 Masterpiece is a complete set . . . including the 5” and 4” 38 Combat Masterpieces.
Good luck in your quest,
Russ
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DON1937
Member
I found one at a local shop Pre 14, 5 screw, 6"bbl ?, about 95%, no corrosion dings or pits. It has checkered target grips without the diamond. I'm no authority but I think these are probably the wrong grips for this gun. I have three sets of the correct grips in very good shape that I bought for $5 each about 6yrs. ago. Overall a decent revolver. $597 OTD.
fungunnin
Member
Would you expect an early K-38 Masterpiece, '47 or '48, to ship with magnas or targets? Were targets even an option that early?
Thanks
Thanks
YeshuaIsa53
SWCA Member
I have not seen a narrow rib with targets.
linde, I've got to get to Tulsa one year. That is nice, especially with the right box.
linde, I've got to get to Tulsa one year. That is nice, especially with the right box.
The consensus is that the target stock option first appeared in the January 1950 S&W Catalog.
Russ
Thank you. Yes, the Wanenmacher show in Tulsa is great for finding treasures. The Fall 2010 show is November 12, 13 and 14. Come early and stay late . . . it takes three days to see everything.
linde
YeshuaIsa53
SWCA Member
Big Larry, I like your taste. Wish I could afford a nice early K-32 just to have and look at. Most I paid for a narrow rib was around nine hundred bucks a few years back, but it was almost impossible to upgrade(no box, tools, etc) and was a K-22. I'd pay that in a NY heartbeat for a K-38 in 99%+ condition with the numbered box if I had the dough. Trade something in a heartbeat for it. Paid six shipped for a K-38 with wrong numbered grips, light scratch on the sideplate about an inch long, and a loose front sight that looked a tad short in height, but possibly isn't. Something about those narrow ribs, but they all are nice.
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Last Reno show, I bought a minty 4 screw K38 in its original box and paid $600. for it. I wanted a 5 screw but there were only two K38's at the show and the other one was really messed up. There were no K22's at that show and it is a very big show. I am on a quest for a light bbl. K38 Target Masterpiece. I am not really a S&W collector. I collect US marked heavy bbl. target rifles, and Winchester M52's. I just wanted to put a few Smiths away. The K38 I bought, I gave to an old friend. I owe him big time. Big Larry
Edward L
Member
Howdy,
I'm new here and was wondering if those with intimate knowledge of the S&W K-38 could help me with a few questions regarding my handgun.
I just traded for what I believe to be a K-38 with a serial number of K42XXX. I was told it is a 1948. It looks almost like new. The serial number is on the butt (underside of frame) and the same number is on the cylinder. The inside of frame (and part that holds the cylinder) has a different number which is 33XXX. Is this common (to have two different numbers on the same K-38)?
It has the tapered barrel, square grip. I have photos of close ups.
Thanks.
I'm new here and was wondering if those with intimate knowledge of the S&W K-38 could help me with a few questions regarding my handgun.
I just traded for what I believe to be a K-38 with a serial number of K42XXX. I was told it is a 1948. It looks almost like new. The serial number is on the butt (underside of frame) and the same number is on the cylinder. The inside of frame (and part that holds the cylinder) has a different number which is 33XXX. Is this common (to have two different numbers on the same K-38)?
It has the tapered barrel, square grip. I have photos of close ups.
Thanks.
Edward, welcome to the forum.
In older guns, the numbers you see on the frame under the yoke when you swing it open are fitting numbers. They can be ignored. The serial number, as you noted, is found on the butt of the gun, the rear face of the cylinder, and the flat underside of the barrel. You can also see them in a couple of other places that are harder to read unless you take the gun apart.
In recent decades, the company has put serial numbers on the frame under the yoke along with the model number. This can cause confusion for people who buy both newer and older guns. When I buy an older gun, I always watch the registration process carefully to make sure my FFL gets the right number as the serial number. Even the professionals can get confused.
As to the date --- yes, a serial number K42xxx would have shipped in 1948.
Please post pictures. Don't be afraid to start your own thread.
In older guns, the numbers you see on the frame under the yoke when you swing it open are fitting numbers. They can be ignored. The serial number, as you noted, is found on the butt of the gun, the rear face of the cylinder, and the flat underside of the barrel. You can also see them in a couple of other places that are harder to read unless you take the gun apart.
In recent decades, the company has put serial numbers on the frame under the yoke along with the model number. This can cause confusion for people who buy both newer and older guns. When I buy an older gun, I always watch the registration process carefully to make sure my FFL gets the right number as the serial number. Even the professionals can get confused.
As to the date --- yes, a serial number K42xxx would have shipped in 1948.
Please post pictures. Don't be afraid to start your own thread.
Edward L
Member
Glad you answered my question. I was worried there for a few days. Indeed the underside of the barrel does match the frame and cylinder serial number.
Thank you
Attachments
In general would a pre-Model 15 "Combat Masterpiece" qualify as C&R?
The pistol I have is #K321xxx, and I can't really place a date.
I did send $50 to Mr. Jinks for a certificate.
The pistol I have is #K321xxx, and I can't really place a date.
I did send $50 to Mr. Jinks for a certificate.
Any "Pre" gun is enjoys C&R status. Model numbers were introduced in 1957, which is more than 50 years ago. So any gun produced before a model number was assigned to it is automatically C&R.
Your Pre-15 would have shipped about the time model numbers were introduced; it's probably one of the last ones shipped without a model number stamped on it.
Your Pre-15 would have shipped about the time model numbers were introduced; it's probably one of the last ones shipped without a model number stamped on it.
@DCWilson, thank you.
Hopefully mine has a rich and colorful history...will wait on Mr. Jinks' letter.
Hopefully mine has a rich and colorful history...will wait on Mr. Jinks' letter.
