Another Weekend Auction Score, K-38

[lamarw]

This is a rather nice Pre-Model 14. The hammer fell at $450.00 on this one. It will go in the rack next to my Pre-Model 15. The serial number is K845567, and I believe should put it in the 1950 year of production.

I do love the feel of these revolvers. They just seem to fit one's hands so well.

 

[DWalt]

I think you have an extra digit somewhere - K845567 would be 1968, and your pictures show a somewhat earlier version. K845xx would be more like a mid-1950 shipment. $450 is a reasonable price.

 

[Jtown]

Very nice, great price.
Walt

 

[lamarw]

Thank you DWalt, It is 84567. I must of double tapped the 5.

 

[OldChief]

What you paid ($450) is better than reasonable, it's what I call a Jesse James deal. Were you wearing your mask? Seriously, that is one beautiful revolver. I noticed what appears to be a small screw on the butt, what is that? I don't remember seeing one on either of my 1956 K38s.

 

[JP@AK]

I noticed what appears to be a small screw on the butt, what is that? I don't remember seeing one on either of my 1956 K38s.

It isn't a screw. It is the K of the serial number.

 

[RMFnLA]

Nice.

Guns like this are how S&W got their reputation for quality.

 

[larryofcc]

Well done. Target hammer too. I have one just like it shipped in 1951 to HH Harris Co. Big Larry

 

[OldChief]

It isn't a screw. It is the K of the serial number.

I just looked again and yes, it's a K. In the picture it sure can be mistaken for the head of a screw. It was driving me nuts trying to think what it was there for. Forgive me, these eyes of mine are nearly 81 yrs old!

 

[JP@AK]

Forgive me, these eyes of mine are nearly 81 yrs old!

Well, mine are only 69 and they don't work all that well anymore either. But I keep a magnifying glass handy . . .

 

[lamarw]

I don't want to mislead anyone. The auction price was $450.00, but there are several other cost that add significantly. There is a 10% buyer's premium, 8% sales tax, shipping cost, and FFL cost. So, it suddenly becomes between a $550 to $600 acquisition.

I am not complaining. I knew the add-ons before bidding.

 

[alwslate]

All of these add-on costs are the main reason that I almost never go to
local consignment gun auctions any more. It gets ridiculous.

 

[Smithbug]

That is one nice looking revolver. They really don't make 'em like that anymore. I think the masterpiece guns are by far my most favorite Smith & Wesson's. I think a K22 is in order once my holiday bonus shows up.

 

[Targets Guy]

Good get. After you shoot it you will like the deal even more.

 

[glowe]

All of these add-on costs are the main reason that I almost never go to
local consignment gun auctions any more. It gets ridiculous.

All you need to do is add everything up in advance, determine the total cost you are willing to pay and bid. I cannot tell you how many great deals I have found through firearm auction companies and their online auctions and would have never found the item or the price at any gun shop or GB.

For the OP, glad you added up the costs before bidding. I was watching that one and estimated it would have cost $575 to get delivered to me. If an FFL would have been needed, add another $25+. I see that the auction house described the condition as "Very good plus". SCSW4 shows a K38 Masterpiece in Very Good condition valued at $450 and Excellent at $650. I think many people are using "want to sell" prices and not completed sales prices when coming up with values. An absolutely fair price was paid all-in, but not a barn burner. I have seen several Masterpiece guns selling for around the same price at other auctions this year.

Don't get me wrong, the gun is a winner, but does have significant wear on the barrel. The good news is that the wear will not affect the accuracy, function, and fun that these guns are capable of delivering.

 

[lamarw]

You are absolutely correct Gary. My Wife does the bidding for me since I have poor hearing. I told her not to go over 450 since I had a pretty good idea of the total. Bidding on line you would of paid 18% whereas I only faced a 10% premium.

It is not often you see desirable guns other than when someone else's collection is being disposed of. It was an enjoyable auction to attend. The auctioneer was excellent, the lay out for pre-auction inspection was the best and easiest to locate and examine iems. Guns were not safety strapped and you could examine them carefully. Seating was comfortable and the rest rooms were close and clean. A pleasant atmosphere all the war around. The Wife is not a gun auction fan, but she enjoyed this one.

I bought a K-38 Pre-Model 15 last year and it became one of my favorite revolvers. I wanted this variant for my collection.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Congrats, again, Lamar! Nice case colors on the hammer, as well.

 

[larryofcc]

Very seldom do I do auctions or do the sites on the Net that do them. Wards just had an auction and I bid on a very scarce Winchester 22 rifle. Hammer price was $552 and delivered price was $701.18. All the fees and shipping brought the price up another $150. I have a C&R so I didn't have to pay a dealers fee. I hate auctions. My best S&W deals have come from members of this Forum. Big Larry

 

[lamarw]

I seem to be doing a little better than I thought. I am up to $511.00 including purchase price, 10% premium, 8% sales tax, and $25.00 shipping. All I will have to add is the FFL cost. It should be be $35.00.

 

[Waveski]

The case hardening coloration of the hammer is really nice.(I'm a sucker for that detail.)
The K22 is a first class revolver. You have a good one ; that's a deal I would have made too.
Way to go.