Came across a K-22 for sale locally, and I am wondering what are the prices for one now? It is advertised as a 1950's model, 6" with correct grips and some blue wear at the muzzle and a slight turn line. The pictures do not show the serial number, but on the box is the number 80901, which might be the serial number sans the "K" He is asking $1000 with the correct box. I am in CA so things are a bit higher here..
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K-22 Value?
- Thread starter smithrjd
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larryofcc
SWCA Member
If it had the original papers and SAT, I would say $1,000 is about right, maybe a little more. Without the SAT and papers, maybe $800 tops. Box alone is worth near $200 when original with the revolver. The stocks much match the serial number of the revolver as well. Big Larry
I am unfamiliar with the term "SAT", will not know if the grips are correct until I inspect the pistol. They are the correct style Magnas with the diamond however. I was thinking it was a bit high but reasonable. It would be a match with my '53 K-38.
Richard Simmons
Member
SAT = Sight Ajustment Tool. "Screwdriver"
Thanks for the info learned something else today.. He has many pistols for sale and the pictures were jumbled. The box is there and I think it has the papers and screw driver and cleaning kit. No idea if they are original or "period" The box is a correct K-22 gold box.
I'm missing at least one or two styles, but here is a general view of SATs that I have. No guaranty that they are all factory original...
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Just to clarify, your letter will tell you when the gun was shipped, but the serial number range you posted is manufacture and not ship dates. Obviously, most were shipped soon after they were manufactured, due to the popularity of the Masterpiece line. OPs gun would have been manufactured in 1949.
There is some increased interest among collectors for the single line frame stamping, but it is hard to quantify. Maybe it gets close to that $200 added value, but you have to find the right buyer who cares about the stamping. I would be in general agreement that a gun, box, and accessories could be worth $1000, but that is max value, so no bargain there.
I just pulled my K61XXX, shipped in 1948 and confirmed that it has a 4 line stamp. Must have been some transition period for this change. It has been said that the transition from single line to 4 line occurred in 1948-1949.
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Jingles
Member
Even here in CA $1000 is pretty high. I've seen pics of the gun you're looking at and have to admit it looks really nice. I'd say a good price would be closer to $750 - 800, but you don't come across almost NIB K22's all that often. If it is what you really want, go for it.
One thing to watch out for though, the seller has a lot of photos jumbled together, so it's kind of hard to tell which pics are what. For the gun you are looking at in the middle of the batch of pics is a photo of the SN - 10K0560. That would date that gun to 1977, not the 1950's. It is probably just a case of photos not matching up but check it out before you buy.
One thing to watch out for though, the seller has a lot of photos jumbled together, so it's kind of hard to tell which pics are what. For the gun you are looking at in the middle of the batch of pics is a photo of the SN - 10K0560. That would date that gun to 1977, not the 1950's. It is probably just a case of photos not matching up but check it out before you buy.
Jingles
Member
Before you go to look at the gun run down to The Shootist. They have a late-'40's K22 on sale for $725. Bluing is well-worn but otherwise it's a nice gun. It will give you something to compare to.
That makes sense since it is a single line gun. So the box does not match the gun. That drops the value some, but with nice boxes going for $200 and any nice single line K22 running $750 plus, you might want to offer a little less and see what happens.
Not sure if the box is a match, He has a sticker, not factory on the top of the box S&W K-22 #80901? Perhaps an old dealer sticker. Did the Gold and Blue boxes have a label with the pistol info from the factory? Can't say I have seen one that way.
All early boxes for the Masterpiece line that I have seen have the serial number in either grease pencil of white label with the number handwritten on the bottom of the box. Have the owner check.
