Another K-38 Box Question

[Walter Rego]

I was reading the thread here on the K-22 Box question:

K22 Masterpiece box question

and have a a question about a K-38 Masterpiece that I have long wondered about so I thought it best to start a new thread.

My K-38 Masterpiece in the high K232,000 S/N range shipped on 5/31/55 to Evaluators Ltd.
The factory letter states "this handgun was shipped a 6 inch barrel, target hammer, blue finish and checkered walnut target grips (sic)". The gun came to me with the Diamond Target Stocks attached but also with a set of Diamond Magna Stocks that have the correct serial number stamped into the inside of the right panel.

I do not have the original box but have three questions:

1) If a customer ordered a set of the Target Stocks would the gun have been shipped in a 4 lug box with the Magna Stocks attached and the Target Stocks loose in the box (presumably wrapped in tissue paper).
2) Or, would the gun have been shipped with the Target Stocks attached, the Magna Stocks which had already been fitted to the gun and serial numbered loose in the box and in a 5 lug box which was tall enough to accommodate the Target Stocks ?
3) Would a gun that was shipped in mid-1955 been in a Gold Picture Box or the newer blue box with solid silver border on the top and a paper label on one end showing the model and options ?

 

[wheelgun610]

3) Would a gun that was shipped in mid-1955 been in a Gold Picture Box or the newer blue box with solid silver border on the top and a paper label on one end showing the model and options ?

If you add the gun's S/N to your post, someone here might have one close to it with the original box. That's about when the change from gold to blue boxes started. All I can say for sure is that the blue boxes didn't originally have the end labels with all the info on them. Here's some pics of a box I once owned with the S/N grease pencilled on the bottom. Notice there are no labels on either end. I have seen some of these boxes with the letters 'TT', and/or 'TH' hand written on the ends.

Mark

 

[Walter Rego]

The serial number is right around 232,900 give or take a dozen.
I have seen those early blue boxes like the one above but also with a paste on paper label if they had an option like a Target Hammer.

Does anyone have any information on these questions ?

1) If a customer ordered a set of the Target Stocks would the gun have been shipped in a 4 lug box with the Magna Stocks attached and the Target Stocks loose in the box (presumably wrapped in tissue paper).

2) Or, would the gun have been shipped with the Target Stocks attached, the Magna Stocks which had already been fitted to the gun and serial numbered loose in the box and in a 5 lug box which was tall enough to accommodate the Target Stocks ?

 

[JSR III]

The serial number is right around 232,900 give or take a dozen.

Since this subject was discussed in another thread, please pardon a small hijack so I may ask a question. The discussion revolved around folks not posting full serial numbers in posts or ads. Since you apparently do not wish to post the full serial number, could you share with us your reason or reasons?

Thanks....

 

[Walter Rego]

The full serial number of my gun is not necessary with regards to the question I asked, the information I gave is close enough.

The subject regarding serial number revealing has been rehashed many times and I just prefer to keep my information private unless the exact numbers are critical. Others can make their own choices.

 

[DWalt]

Those preferring to not divulge full serial numbers for whatever reason will often replace the last two numerals with xx. And that is fine with me.

 

[JSR III]

I understand that folks don't always post the full serial number but was curious as to the reason behind this. I also understand that folks have the choice to do whatever floats their boat. I was just curious as to the reason or reasons that folks take this precaution.

In my case, collecting the .22/32 HFT's or Bekeart model, and creating a database, without the full serial number it is not possible to determine who it shipped to and whether I wish to add it to my collection of Bekeart shipped guns. Also since my database is by serial number, it is hard to add a listing without the full number.

That's all, nothing nefarious going on.

 

[Walter Rego]

Mr. Redfield, if I had a .22/32 HFT or Bekeart model I would send you the serial number via private message for your database.

I decided early on in the days of the internet that I would divulge my personal information very carefully since things one posts live on in cyberspace forever. I have read both sides of the debate about posting serial numbers and understand the arguments.