K-22 Masterpiece Date?

[Gazz]

I attended an auction this evening and purchased a K-22 Masterpiece revolver and think I have pinned down the year(s) of manufacture but am not sure. It is not a five screw as there is no screw at the top of the side plate but one in front of the trigger guard and is marked only with an assembly number under the crane. According to SCofS&W, the top screw was eliminated in 1955 and the revolver became the Model 17 in 1957. Unfortunately, it wears some aftermarket stocks - plastic with an attempt at a jigged bone or stag look but otherwise quite nice. Am I correct in dating this revolver to 1956, give or take a year?

SN is K 270279

[Targets Guy]

What is the serial number? Bottom of the grip frame.

[TANZER]

K231,256 – K266,154...1955
K266,155 – K288,988...1956

[Gazz]

Thanks for the confirmation!

[kthom]

Sounds to me like your grips are possibly Franzite brand. These were fairly popular back in the day and in some circles today are fairly well regarded. I have a set of these grips that reside on a Victory model .38 Special that was bequeathed to my by my FIL. They are marked well on the gun side of the grip and they are pretty substantial in construction as far as I can tell. They were on the old revolver when my FIL purchased it during the 1950's from a co-worker whose wife wanted it out of her house. The grips would be likely an aftermarket accessory from the period of time your revolver was released for sale. I don't find them objectionable at all! And I certainly am very fond of my K-22 made in 1951 that has a K133XXX serial number. Mine has been carefully and seriously used over the years and is possibly my favorite revolver in my possession today!

[Gazz]

The stocks are marked on the inside;

S.W. CUT & MFG.
MONTEBELLO
CALIF.

on the left stock and;

POINTER -PUP-

on the right. Also on the right is SAW 33 just below the screw hole. They are made from a hard plastic of some kind. Not a brand I am familiar with.

Years ago, I was selling stuff on eBay and had listed a pair of plastic revolver grips that I had called Franzite. A few days after posting the sale, I got an email from Mr. Franzite letting me know the grips were not made by him!

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by Gazz

Am I correct in dating this revolver to 1956, give or take a year?

SN is K 270279

I have two K-38 Masterpiece revolvers in my inventory in the four screw configuration. Serial numbers are K278xxx and K285xxx. Both shipped in 1956.

So, yes, I believe it is safe to assume your K-22 left the factory that year. Of course, there can always be fliers, so only a letter can tell you for certain.

[Gazz]

Here are some pictures...

[KalamazooKid]

Congrats! These look really nice (and functional) with some period correct target stocks!

[glowe]

Originally Posted by TANZER

K231,256 – K266,154...1955
K266,155 – K288,988...1956

Just to be clear, the information above is the date of manufacture. Dated and lettered guns will show ship dates not manufacture dates, which in your case could be 1956 or 1957.