K-22 Pre Model 18 No Serial # on Cylinder

Brunojohn3337 · #1 01-10-2021, 07:51 PM

I just recently acquired a K-22 pre model 18 and have a few questions. First off this gun is my first five screw model and I was happy to get a deal on it knowing it was from the fifties. Serial # K 212934 with a 4" Barrel. The guy said that he checked to see if grips matched and I also pointed out that there was no serial # on the back of cylinder, just an S stamped on it. He said the the cylinders don't have serial # and I took his word for it not knowing better. After doing research I feel like it is a replacement cylinder, or maybe the four inch barrel models, like mine, are different than the rest? Also come to find out the grips don't match!! They are from the same year which is odd to me. Serial # 232***. I cleaned her up and she shoots great, it will stay in the family but I'm curious about how this may affect the value. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Also an I right calling it a Pre Model 18 because of the shorter barrel, where as the Model 17 had a 6"?

Wiregrassguy · #2 01-10-2021, 08:23 PM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! IIRC, the S stamp indicates service work during manufacturing. IOW, at some point when the gun was being made, it was rejected for an issue and sent to the service department for work. Apparently, they replaced the original cylinder, stamped the S on it but didn't stamp the serial number. Someone with more experience will need to confirm this. Also, I don't think that information would be included in an historian's letter of authenticity.

And, yes, you are correct it's a pre-Model 18.

ken158 · #3 01-10-2021, 08:46 PM

No effect on value unless it was NIB collector quality. Likely a factory replacement cylinder but should be no worries with this pre 18.

Brunojohn3337 · #4 01-10-2021, 08:53 PM

Thank you for the welcome and that information! I am new to the forum and I have been collecting S&W revolvers for a few years now. It all started with a Mod. 31-1 32 Long I got at a flea market. All my S&W are pre 81 with pinned barrels. This K-22 has me in love with five screw models. Regardless of the services cylinder and possible mismatch grips, this Smith is a great piece of history. If only I could know its story.

Doc44 · #5 01-11-2021, 10:01 AM

As stated in Post #2, the cylinder on your .22 Combat Masterpiece was replaced during manufacture. I have two 44 Magnums that were reworked in the same way. You should look at the underside of the extractor to see if the serial number is stamped on it as it was probably replaced also. Finally, there may be a lightly stamped R on the left hand side of the grip frame. Revolvers were often reworked by S&W during manufacture.

Bill

Brunojohn3337 · #6 01-11-2021, 08:19 PM

Thank you for the info! I inspected the extractor and found no markings. Now I did find markings on the frame. On the left there is a "W" stamped, I presume meaning " Worked"? The same mark appears above the assembly #.
On the right I found a few markings. An "H" followed by a "1". Also a faint "D".

Brunojohn3337 · #7 01-12-2021, 05:39 PM

Does anyone have any insight as to what these marks suggest? Any answers are much appreciated.

Wiregrassguy · #8 01-12-2021, 06:47 PM

They are either Fitters or inspectors stamps.

Guy

Brunojohn3337 · #9 01-12-2021, 07:24 PM

Thanks Guy!

glowe · #10 01-12-2021, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

As stated in Post #2, the cylinder on your .22 Combat Masterpiece was replaced during manufacture . . .

As Bill mentioned, you have a K-22 Combat Masterpiece, not a Pre-Model anything. Your gun is from 1954 and was named K-22 Combat Masterpiece target revolver. The stocks date to 1955.

Brunojohn3337 · #11 01-12-2021, 11:26 PM

Correct. Thank you Gary.

handejector · #12 01-13-2021, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc44

As stated in Post #2, the cylinder on your .22 Combat Masterpiece was replaced during manufacture. I have two 44 Magnums that were reworked in the same way. You should look at the underside of the extractor to see if the serial number is stamped on it as it was probably replaced also. Finally, there may be a lightly stamped R on the left hand side of the grip frame. Revolvers were often reworked by S&W during manufacture.

Bill

Bill,
I have to disagree. I won't argue about your 44s

, but regarding other N frames and K frames, I've seen many guns with the S (for Service Dept) or R, but I've never seen a gun shipped in the soft fitting era without a numbered barrel or cylinder. I do not believe that cylinder is original to the gun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

As Bill mentioned, you have a K-22 Combat Masterpiece, not a Pre-Model anything. Your gun is from 1954 and was named K-22 Combat Masterpiece target revolver. The stocks date to 1955.

Uh, if we are being technically correct, the Op's gun is a .22 Combat Masterpiece, NOT a K-22 Combat Masterpiece. Go check your AMCs again. The Factory catalogs never used the "K" in the names for the Combat Masterpiece.