K 22 Masterpiece

[MikeChap]

Bought a K 22 Masterpiece at a local gunshow couple of months ago and was hoping I could figure out the DoM by the serial number. Google hasn't been friendly on this search. So now turning to the experts here. The serial number is K 98835 (not paranoid).
Also would like to know when S&W changed over from the large ejector rod to the smaller rod on the cylinder. Here is a couple of pics.

 

[Targets Guy]

1950. K84150-K104047

 

[EricR]

Say Mike,

If I may jump onto this thread. Can you please give me approximate date for K 34034? The assumption was that my Dad purchased it shortly after returning home from the Pacific Theater WWII. Thanks!

 

[glowe]

Mike - I never liked the term "Large" when used to describe the barrel shaped ejector rod knob, since the large knob was discontinued in 1927 and there was no small ejector rod knob, rather the rod was just knurled starting in 1947.

EricR - your Masterpiece revolver was manufactured in 1948.

 

[EricR]

Thank you!

 

[weatherby]

One of the other differences that occurred in 48 was going from the one line address to the 4.

 

[MikeChap]

Thanks Targets Guy and Glowe. EricR No problem and our seek for knowledge is always invited.

 

[MikeChap]

Thanks for the info weatherby.

 

[Barely_rigged]

I shot mine this weekend - great sport. Upper right is H&R Sportsman top break double action the rest were old K22's single action from 60+ years back-20 yards what fun!

 

[larryofcc]

Bought a K 22 Masterpiece at a local gunshow couple of months ago and was hoping I could figure out the DoM by the serial number. Google hasn't been friendly on this search. So now turning to the experts here. The serial number is K 98835 (not paranoid).
Also would like to know when S&W changed over from the large ejector rod to the smaller rod on the cylinder. Here is a couple of pics.

Glad to see you are not paranoid Marine. Semper Fi, and thank you for your service to our country and Corps. Nice find on the K22. Did you get tools and do the stocks match? The LERKs are a great find. There are lots of them out there if you look hard enough. A collectors prize. I have # 4339 in my collection, shipped 9-23-1947. It has the LERK too. Box and tools as well. I think the last of the LERKs shipped in 1947. Big Larry USMCR (60-68).

 

[weatherby]

Thanks for the info weatherby.

Quite welcome and I'm sorry I got sidetracked and didn't even say congratulations and what a fine one it is. The sharp shoulder magnas even look spectacular.
Enjoy it I'm quite a fan of the K 22's.

 

[Targets Guy]

Say Mike,

If I may jump onto this thread. Can you please give me approximate date for K 34034? The assumption was that my Dad purchased it shortly after returning home from the Pacific Theater WWII. Thanks!

That's a pretty good assumption. My dad was in the Pacific Theater from 1943 - 1945. He bought his K-22 (now mine) in 1947. It shipped in Nov 1947, s/n K8726.

free photo hosting

 

[LEO918]

Mike: I have in my collection the highest known serial number K-22 with LERK - K 5680.

 

[Dillyp]

All.
What happened to the mushroom headed knob?
BERK vrs. LERK?
Bill@Yuma

Somebody ate it and went Truckin'

 

[glowe]

All.
What happened to the mushroom headed knob?
BERK vrs. LERK?
Bill@Yuma

Glad you ask. There are basically three types of ejector rod assemblies for S&W hand ejectors, not counting those early HEs without a barrel lug. The largest Ejector rod knob was mushroom shaped and was introduced in 1902. It was replaced in 1927 by a smaller barrel shaped knob. In 1947 the knob was eliminated in favor of simply knurling the end of the rod. After 1947 there was actually no knob on the ejector rod at all!!

I have never liked the acronym "LERK", but if it has to be used, it should be used properly to describe the mushroom knob.