Need help Identifying

johnpcace · #1 01-11-2021, 11:43 PM

I am trying to identify what I believe is a 1960 manufactured 18 Combat Masterpiece in .22 LR.

It has a funny plastic thing as part of the grip that I have never seen before. The serial # is K393621

Thanks

banger · #2 01-11-2021, 11:52 PM

The piece in question is a "Pachmayr grip adaptor".

Similar in concept to a "Tyler T grip".

Honestly I prefer the "T" grip, but the Pachmayr is a decent and useful product.

BTW, that would have been an aftermarket add on.... NOT a Smith and Wesson supplied product.

JP@AK · #3 01-12-2021, 12:23 AM

That is a very nice older .22 Combat Masterpiece, made during the relatively short duration of Model 18 production (1958-1959). As you indicated, it probably shipped in 1960.

The grip adapter is, as banger noted, a Pachmayr product. These began life as a Mershon product and were called the Mershon Sure-Grip. Mershon was a California company that was located in various places in Southern California, lastly in Glendale. I have examples of them in my collection with different addresses on them. I have not yet determined the several dates when the address changes were made, but it makes for an interesting study.

Eventually, Mershon was bought out by Pachmayr, sometime in the late 1950s. I can't read the lettering on yours in the picture, but it should say Pachmayr on it, along with an address and some dates. It is probably contemporary with the gun.

johnpcace · #4 01-12-2021, 12:31 AM

Thanks Jack, am I reading the blue book value right on this gun it says ~$1200. I know these are supposed to be accurate but that seems steep for a 22.

murphydog · #5 01-12-2021, 08:25 AM

Did anyone mention "welcome"?

Good information above. It has slight wear (probably from a holster) and the original box, so I think a current value is closer to $700.

Years ago I bought a similar grip adapter in an S & W labeled box that appeared to be sold by the company (or someone not concerned about copyright infringement). I doubt the factory made it but don't recall if it had the maker stamped on it.

JP@AK · #6 01-12-2021, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnpcace

am I reading the blue book value right on this gun

The only thing you can believe about the Blue Book is that it isn't a reliable price guide, especially for S&W revolvers.

Quote:

that seems steep for a 22.

There are some .22 revolvers that will bring $1200 or more, but yours isn't one of them.