Uneven S&W Logo Stampings - UPDATE WITH STOCK QUESTIONS

[glowe]

I just picked up a mid-century K38 Masterpiece 107XXX that the auction house said may have been refinished, stating "Condition is excellent as possibly partially refinished, as the revolver shows some thinning to trademark on sideplate." I got it for a decent price either way and will be shooting it, but this has got me curious?

UPDATE

Here are some additional pictures of my K38 Masterpiece with the Magna stocks that came with the gun. They do not number to the K38, but am wondering if they are the correct style? My K22 has the sharp shoulder on the top of the stocks and these have a rounded top. My K22 was from 1948 and this K38 is from 1951. I am pleased with it and like the target stocks that also came with the gun. Could someone tell me what these are as well? The auction house states that they are laminated, but don't know the style, name, or the era of these stocks.

 

[series guy]

From the looks of the side plate I would think original finish. I have a little I frame .32 that has about the same look to the logo and it's an original finish gun.

 

[murphydog]

The blue match and sideplate seam are so close that I would guess it was lightly rollmarked. The two photos almost look as though they were in the same batch of sideplates.

 

[opoefc]

Gary, I would agree with Alan. I've seen many original finish guns with weak side plate logo stamps, which I attribute to the solution adopted by the factory to set the pressure on the logo stamp at a minimum level because higher pressures were warping the side plates. Ed.

 

[CatboatWilly]

I have a 17-3 (K-frame .22 LR Nr.# 5K893XX ) that I bought brand new in 1974 (so I know it's not refinished) - and it too has a logo that is stamped heavier on one side than the other. It looks almost identical to what you have.

I was always curious about it but just figured it was a product of roll type stamping.

I'll try an post a picture.
Bill

 

[glowe]

Thanks guys - I suspected as much, but that description seemed to scare off a few bidders. If original, I got a very good deal at $450 plus auction house fees. The other one went for $750 and was only a couple of percentage points better than mine. Besides, I got the original magna stocks as well as the target stocks in the deal. Also had a speed-loader and gun case.

I do know that the sideplates on these guns are as hard as diamonds. It is very difficult to get a bluing to take, let alone match the other softer metals.

 

[JackM]

I have similar question regarding my M-37. The rollmark on the lower, front, right-hand side of the frame is uneven. The first line is much deeper than the others and the bottom line (Springfield, Mass.) is quite light. This gun is all original. I'm wondering if this is common.

 

[Hondo44]

In my experince and observation, yes, very common, both on logo and 4 line address.

 

[handejector]

Is the blue the normal Satin blue of the early 50s?
Are there any frame dates/marks?

 

[glowe]

Is the blue the normal Satin blue of the early 50s?
Are there any frame dates/marks?

Lee - I have not yet received it, but will post more when I get a chance to inspect the gun. In the other auction house photos, it looked like the standard bluing of the period.

 

[glowe]

Updated pictures and questions about the stocks that came with it in the first post.

 

[BigCityChief]

FWIW, I think it looks great! Enjoy it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jjbrewst1]

Those Grips are the Thailand ones sold off Ebay...

Many Forum members say they shoot and handle great...

Nice revolvers..Not sure on the refinsih questions, but Hope I helped on the Stocks

 

[OldDominion]

Gary, nice K38 and nice price. You asked about the magnas that came with it? The originals would have the diamond, black washers, and the higher sharp shoulder. The ones that came with your K38 are from a much later era. Lee

 

[murphydog]

"I am pleased with it and like the target stocks that also came with the gun. Could someone tell me what these are as well? The auction house states that they are laminated, but don't know the style, name, or the era of these stocks."

I believe these are currently available Altamonts. See "K Sq Target, Super Rosewood, Checkered" on this page:

Altamont Company - Smith & Wesson

 

[handejector]

Lee - I have not yet received it, but will post more when I get a chance to inspect the gun. In the other auction house photos, it looked like the standard bluing of the period.

It looks a bit too bright for the Satin blue of the era. Does it look Satin to you?
A Satin gun should have a raised logo.
Any frame dates or marks?
If it is not Satin, what, EXACTLY, is stamped on barrel flat?

 

[markeb]

Very nice gun. I think you are right on about the targets made by Altamont.

 

[glowe]

"I believe these are currently available Altamonts. See "K Sq Target, Super Rosewood, Checkered" on this page:
Altamont Company - Smith & Wesson

Thanks everyone for your comments. They are indeed Altamonts and are extremely nice in the hand and pleasing to the eye. Checkering and finish is top notch and they are made in Thomasboro, Illinois. I may get another set @ $62 for my K-22 to use at the range. I also need to start looking for the correct Magna stocks for the K-38.

 

[glowe]

It looks a bit too bright for the Satin blue of the era. Does it look Satin to you?
A Satin gun should have a raised logo.
Any frame dates or marks?
If it is not Satin, what, EXACTLY, is stamped on barrel flat?

Thanks for looking again Lee - you are right about the finish as it does have some gloss, but I did wax it and it now has some oil on it from cleaning. There are no date stamps and all stampings inside and out are the same as on my K-22. The logo is definately raised. Lastly, the barrel flat contains only a "K" and the serial number.

 

[Hillbilly77]

Yes, the target grips are definitely current-production Altamonts.

I have the same ones on my 586.
Mine are walnut, yours look like rosewood.

(Do you get "dinged" for posting a modern gun in this forum? )