Looking for info on K22 VERY low serial number

[glowe]

I have often thought that if the K Masterpiece line started with serial number "K1", the early ones might be worth more. The fact that they started in the "K100" range, and that just does not have the same ring as "1".

Technically, I think that the first 100 of many models do appeal to some collectors and may well bring more money than a similar condition gun in a 100 plus serial number range. There are also a few out there that would pay more for the barrel shaped ejector rod knob, or the single line MADE IN USA stamp, but one might be hard pressed to find one when your gun comes up for sale.

 

[Walter Rego]

Walter that would make a lot of sense. His father bought the gun new. Gainesville is in the Ocala area where his father had his farm. Thank you for the info.

Joe, you really should order a factory letter from Mr. Jinks to back up that information. For an early gun it is well worth the money. Order it here:

Smith & Wesson Collectors Association

I may have shared information that was supposed to be for members of the S&W Collectors Association only and if I did I apologize.

 

[handejector]

Joe, you really should order a factory letter from Mr. Jinks to back up that information. For an early gun it is well worth the money. Order it here:

Smith & Wesson Collectors Association

$100 to find out which hardware store received it? I just don't think that gun is worth it. The original owner is selling it, so the sentimental value of a letter is lost.

 

[handejector]

I would love to add a single line LERK to my accumulation of K22s!

You guys should follow my auctions on GB. Last Nov, this gun only brought $775. I thought it would do better.

 

[larryofcc]

You guys should follow my auctions on GB. Last Nov, this gun only brought $775. I thought it would do better.

Wow !!! That's enough to make a grown man cry. I hate auctions. Big Larry

 

[hkcavalier]

That's why I was guarded with my pricing in my comment. Most of the big money K-22s I've seen are prewar guns, particularly the high-condition early ones, the ones with King sights, and of course the handful of prewar Masterpieces.

Would I personally pay a big premium for K10X? You bet! Would I pay double for K159 vs. K159X, K159XX, or K159XXX in similar condition? No. More, but not much more. Maybe I'm just not a very experienced collector...

 

[JP@AK]

You guys should follow my auctions on GB. Last Nov, this gun only brought $775

Good grief, Lee. Why didn't you just ship it to me? I'd have happily paid you a reasonable price for it. That one is a dandy!!!

 

[iskra]

That's why I was guarded with my pricing in my comment. Most of the big money K-22s I've seen are prewar guns, particularly the high-condition early ones, the ones with King sights, and of course the handful of prewar Masterpieces.

Would I personally pay a big premium for K10X? You bet! Would I pay double for K159 vs. K159X, K159XX, or K159XXX in similar condition? No. More, but not much more. Maybe I'm just not a very experienced collector...

***

I do clearly understand what you're saying! Been there, done that. Myself appreciating fact of my 'overpaying'. Busy working life and my time worth more than the extra perhaps '$500 or so max', excess compared to devoting time searching (pre Inernet days) for another one equaling the "temptation" before me. "Bird in hand" philosophy without regrets. I was usually good for a 20-30% "infatuation factor" increase
Yet the point here, 'my proclivity', not ever suggestig some of the prices I paid as "market". Your experience sounding a "personal proclivity" too. Yet both of us... "informed choice!"

The aside, my "great value finds", almost always occurring in my own collection. That as far later, better informed, to say: "Oh my gosh..." Internet, literature; such information, confirming my own gun(s) "rarity". No 'canny buyer' there! In Smiths, my 3rd Model Transition Target, acquired several decades ago, exemplary. Dealer and myself 'ignorant', but possibly the 'nuance' of such model variation then unpublicized.

***

Handejector, that's one beautiful early Transition K! Had I seen that in my collecting era, price comparable... The category of gun having paid a premium (beyond your pricing) IF necessary AND 'in the flesh'! I've never been attracted to Internet gun sales. Something 'tactile' missing for me. About the difference between a great Playboy centerfold and happy reality. "Tactile difference!" . Gun shows my favorite; "roar of the peanuts, smell of the crowd"!

Final. Joe, I was a bit rough - plain spoken. But 'rah rah'
support yielding to frank opinion. Better a deal avoided when overpriced and guns like Handejector's available!

My thanks to all for a quite interesting Thread! Ever learning!
Best & Stay Safe!
John