The Masterpiece Trifecta

[NavySCPO]

My K22 Masterpiece (Sep 1953), K32 Masterpiece (Jun 1955), and the K38 Masterpiece (Nov 1949). What a trio of 5 Screw beauties! All with matching numbers and period correct boxes. Roy has already provided letters on the 22 & 38, the request for the K32 will go out on Monday, love the history of these old revolvers.

We used to call it a perfect bet at the Dog Track when someone hit the Trifecta (sadly I never did) But to this old guy it feels pretty much the same as winning that bet would have. The K32 just arrived today, purchased from a forum member, and I couldn't wait to show it along with its partners. While the 32 is not nearly as nice as the other two, it just doesn't matter to me, just to get to hold (and when the rain stops tomorrow to shoot) is a real thrill.

And ain't they pretty sitting on those gold boxes?

 

[delcrossv]

Well done!

 

[Wrangler Rich]

Very nice!

WR

 

[series guy]

Beautiful. Doesn't get much better than that. Enjoy shooting them.

 

[BigBill]

I have the k38 pre 14, k38 pre 15 and the k22, at the time my LGS had the k32 didn't know what it was I passed. I passed on a 38/44 too.

 

[RKmesa]

Congrats. What a neat accomplishment. And...as a box lover, yes... yes it is VERY nice to see them sitting on their gold boxes.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[diecidecimi]

I have a dream....

 

[lamarw]

All of the above comments - Indeed!

 

[pawncop]

Wow, just wow. Awesome acquisition sir.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

In 1988 when Yellowstone was on fire we were in Livingston, MT and I visited Mike Venturino. We went downstairs to his gun room and one of the guns he showed me was a K32. Then his Triplelock Target and a Colt single action. I had already read articles about both S&Ws. Later one on the Colt. He sure had a lot of praise for those two rare Smiths.

 

[Green Frog]

Hitting the trifecta gives a great feeling of accomplishment. I had owned my late forties vintage K-22 and -38 for years, and I finally had a K-32 recreated in Model 16-3 configuration, so it's a slight mismatch, but I've got all three. I hope you'll have as much fun with your three as I've been having with mine.

Froggie

 

[LEO918]

Kind of a Duke's mixture here also, but for the second time in my life I have all three. A K-22, a Model 16 Nickel and a Model 14-1...

 

[kennethg]

As said above, it doesn't get much better than that. And with the boxes.
Well done!

 

[nedlate]

Here is my set of 4 screws. The K32 in the center.
Ed

 

[glowe]

You are still missing a Masterpiece model. Don't forget the K22 Masterpiece, 2nd Model. I don't have one of those either.

 

[NavySCPO]

Gary, is that the wide barrel (I'm sure that's the wrong description), but they made them in each configuration didn't they? My K38 is a 1949 so it's wide, as is the K32 since it is a 1955 (think they stopped in 1950, maybe?). My K22 is a 1953 with the narrow top strap.

Now I'm really confused LOL!

 

[NavySCPO]

Hitting the trifecta gives a great feeling of accomplishment. I had owned my late forties vintage K-22 and -38 for years, and I finally had a K-32 recreated in Model 16-3 configuration, so it's a slight mismatch, but I've got all three. I hope you'll have as much fun with your three as I've been having with mine.

Froggie

Thanks Froggie! We've talked (on here) before and I value your opinion as well as many others. This K32 is far from perfect, as for my experience, I can count on one finger how many I've seen in person, and that includes this one . When I first saw it next to my others the brighter blue stood out, which I thought was odd, but I later learned that the 1955's (and I'm sure others) were finished brighter than the matte finishes on my K22 & K38. They are in much better shape also. The bluing on the K32 is not in the best of condition.

I've added a few more pictures, and would sincerely appreciate your opinion on its condition, and of course the opinion of any others who would care to comment. I know only what I've read on the forum and in the 4th Standard Catalog, so all opinions are welcome.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[glowe]

Gary, is that the wide barrel (I'm sure that's the wrong description), but they made them in each configuration didn't they? . . .

Actually, the first K22 Masterpiece revolver was made just before WWII, with a total of just over 1000 made. This model did not have a rib. The first K frame 22 was called the Outdoorsman and made from 1930 to 1940. The second model, made from 1940 to 1942, was the very first K22 Masterpiece.

The wide rib you are thinking about , introduced in the early 1950s for the K38, was named the K38 Heavy Masterpiece. Some shooters wanted a set of revolvers that were the same weight as the K22, so the factory started making a larger barrel and a wide rib to match the weight of the K22.

 

[Raystown]

Beautiful !!!!!!!

Brian

Raystown

 

[NavySCPO]

Here is my set of 4 screws. The K32 in the center.
Ed

A trio of beauties Ed, nice set!