Nickel K-38 Masterpiece

MRAWIZ · #1 02-13-2016, 04:20 PM

I have a K-38 Masterpiece Model 14-1 Ser#K471846 (1962) that is nickel-plated original. Everything I read so far says they were blued. Was it specially-made, or just a standard variant? Also, what is best way to clean her up?

S42N8 · #2 02-13-2016, 04:47 PM

A few indicators:

If the trigger and hammer are nickeled, it's probably not a factory nickel.
If there a N stamped on the rear of the cylinder, N stamped on the frame, blued extractor star, it's a factory nickel.
Of course, if you have the factory box or a factory letter, then it's real.

The real experts will be along to weigh in on standard vs variant.

Cleaning is best done with a non-ammonia cleaner; there are lots of them. A good oil will suffice for most purposes, but a nice coat of paste wax when it's done will make it sparkle.

murphydog · #3 02-13-2016, 04:49 PM

Welcome! Nickel finish model 14s are uncommon. Do you have the original box or a factory letter confirming this?

Most recommend a minimally abrasive polish (Flitz or Renaissance Pre-Lim) for nickel plating, as heavy polishing removes the finish. Follow with Johnson's Paste or Renaissance Wax and you are good to go.

We like photos, by the way

. Hope this is helpful.

Doc44 · #4 02-13-2016, 05:08 PM

Nickel or bright blue on the Masterpiece series and Combat Masterpiece series of revolvers was available at an extra cost of $6.46. These finishes were not shown in any of S&W's literature, but were shown on various price sheets and could be special ordered.

Bill

MRAWIZ · #5 02-13-2016, 08:40 PM

Thanks to all for quick replies; great information out there. I will post some pics. No nickel on trigger or hammer. I have not found an "N" on the frame, but I did find #s and scribed initials under the grip plates. I also appreciate the advice on cleaning and polishing her up. Heading to the range tomorrow to see how she shoots.

MRAWIZ · #6 02-14-2016, 11:33 AM

My K-38 Masterpiece was purchased as is, no box or documents. The star extractor is blued, and the trigger/hammer are not nickel. There is a "L" on the cylinder, and a "K" and "3" on the grip frame, along with etched initials.
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g8rb8 · #7 02-14-2016, 12:14 PM

So far I'd say it looks pretty good for a candidate for an original nickel finish.

How about removing the left stock/grip with a detailed picture of the left side of the butt frame. We would be looking for a N stamped there denoting nickel or a date stamp, typically with 3 to 4 (rarely up to 6) consecutive numbers that would denote a date when revolver might have gone back to S&W for a refinish. Might also be looking for RN or R-N, possibly in a rectangle, denoted refinished at S&W in nickel. Might also be looking for a diamond or star stamped there too indicating it went back to S&W possibly for a refinish.

Also a picture of the back of the cylinder looking for a N stamped there denoting nickel. Might be looking for on of the other marks suggested above.

Also look at the bottom of the butt of the gun where the serial number is stamped looking for a star or diamond suggesting it went back to S&W, maybe for a refinish.

A close up of the side plate with enough detail to see its edges and how well it fits the frame can give a clue about original versus refinished.

Finally, look at the underneath side of the barrel, under the ejector rod, for some of the marks (diamond or star) mentioned above.

MRAWIZ · #8 02-14-2016, 07:35 PM

Roger that. No markings on the cylinder except the "L". The star extractor has the gun's serial number on the underside. I will take the grips off again for a thorough clean/polish and look for any other markings. On first examination I only saw the "k" stamp and the "3" on the grip frame. Thanks for the knowledge transfer.

SFIDEC · #9 04-09-2017, 11:05 PM

Recently purchased what I'm hoping is factory nickel finish pre 15. Stampings with N on Cylinder, Barrel, and Butt look correct. Plan to send off for letter to confirm if original. Thanks for previous post.

Doc44 · #10 04-10-2017, 08:03 AM

SFIDEC...Based on the configuration of your revolver and the stamping of an N in all of the correct locations, I am sure your Combat Masterpiece was shipped from S&W with a nickel finish. Do the stocks number to the revolver? Just curious.

Bill

SFIDEC · #11 04-10-2017, 01:53 PM

Bill...Doc44...Thanks for reply. Stocks are numbered to pistol and are well worn as can be seen in photo. I've only seen a couple of threads and one letter related to these K-38's in nickel finish. I would appreciate yours and anyone else's thoughts regarding this S&W revolver. Ever since I came across a 1954 K38 that was sent back to S&W for nickel job , I've been on a hunt for the real deal. I'm assuming Roy Jinks is still providing letters for S&W. I've got a letter from Mr Jinks on the original blued 1954 stating nickel work and added Target Grips. He did a nice write-up about the K38's history and how my 1954 was redone by S&W in 1978. I think I'll add to this thread with pictures and letter on the reworked K38 so others will see stamping indicating S&W rework. Anyway, some like "Blued" and some prefer "Nickel". I love them all, but am officially a Nickelholic!

bananaman · #12 04-11-2017, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFIDEC

Recently purchased what I'm hoping is factory nickel finish pre 15. Stampings with N on Cylinder, Barrel, and Butt look correct. Plan to send off for letter to confirm if original. Thanks for previous post.

She's a "LOOKER"! Bob

SFIDEC · #13 04-12-2017, 10:16 AM

Here are some pictures of 1954 K38 with letter from Roy Jinks (S&W Historian) indicating blued revolver was sent to S&W for Nickel job. S&W did an excellent nickel job as the revolver was redone in 1978 and still looks great. Notice the "Star" on barrel underside, and rear cylinder. There is the letters "R-N" along with date "8 78" indicating August 1978 that can be seen with the grips removed. These K38's are fine shooters. Can I get an Amen?
Hope this thread helps someone when it comes to finding an original nickel K38. I don't know how many Pre-model 15 nickel Masterpieces were produced by S&W, but I do know they are a treasure hunt item as I searched for a long time.

JP@AK · #14 04-12-2017, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFIDEC

along with date "8 78" indicating March 1978 that can be seen with he grips removed

Okay. I'm confused.

8 78 would be August, 1978. a 3 would be March. I can't blow your photo up without distortion, so I don't know if your revolver was worked on by the Service Department in March or August. Would you clarify for us, please?

Edit:
Okay, I just read the relevant letter from Roy. I guess the mark on the grip frame must be an 8, since he says "August." Your "March" must just be a typo.

SFIDEC · #15 04-12-2017, 03:26 PM

[email protected] edited previous post showing correct date per letter. Thanks for catching error. Picture is not very clear on the date stamp.
I've also included a couple more pictures of the S&W reworked nickel 1954 K-38.