It's been awhile, but here is the Third in my series of "Informal Pictorial's"......

The truth has - unfortunately - started to get out, the K-38 Masterpiece is truly that - a world class Masterpiece. This model is an outstanding shooter, a great piece of S&W history, a finely crafted work of art..... For the longest time, they languished on dealers shelves while shooters and enthusiasts rushed to acquire the more popular (and powerful) .357 Magnum models. I'm concerned about the reputation getting out, the remaining guns out there are only going to be harder to find and higher in $$ as the word gets spread.... bummer as there are a few more I need to fill out the collection.

This essay will include guns spanning all three revolver time categories, so I'm posting it in the middle area.
Starting off with a couple "paper" scans.... Note that after Model numbering was introduced, the K-38 Masterpiece was also assigned the Model 14 nomenclature, in addition to, not to replace the Masterpiece name, FYI.



Note below, the K-38 Masterpiece designation on the original guns, but when the non-tapered wide rib barrel was offered, the factory made both versions concurrently for awhile, calling the newer heavier barrel profile the "K-38 Heavy Masterpiece". This continued until the narrow rib, tapered barrel versions were discontinued and then the name resorted to the original - K-38 Masterpiece.


Interesting old flyer/ad noting how the K-38 Heavy Masterpiece was used to set a World Record in November, 1954. Note that the gun shown has the non-relieved Diamond Targets as well as the Target Hammer, but standard trigger (just right!)


The following pics will show a chronology of gun configurations starting with my earliest example (1948 gun) through the non-lock Model 14 variations (up to M14-7). Hopefully these pics will show how the finish evolved over time, as well as several examples of hammer/trigger configs, trigger stops, barrel profiles and grips (to include some aftermarket grips shown on later model guns that came originally with rubber examples).
Unfortunately, in the early non-model numbered guns my earliest is 1948, and I'm missing examples for 1950, 1953 and 1954 (the search continues )

Enjoy.

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.............SmithNut

This gun is from 1948 and has the original narrow rib tapered barrel. This gun is original, has numbered magnas with high horn/ridge, trigger stop, standard serrated trigger and "fish-hook" Hi-Speed hammer. Backstrap and frontstrap both have the coarse serrations (6). Frame marked with one-line address (Made in USA) on right. Finish is the matte blue (frosted blue?) typical of the early post-war production. Serial number is evident in six places, unsure if the sight is numbered as I've not had it off. No Box.

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.............SmithNut

This gun is from 1949 and has the original narrow rib tapered barrel. This gun is original, has numbered magnas with high horn/ridge, trigger stop, standard serrated trigger and "fish-hook" Hi-Speed hammer. Backstrap and frontstrap both have the coarse serrations (6). Frame marking on right differs from the above gun in that it has the four line address (Made in USA, Marcas Registrada...etc.). Finish is the typical matte blue finish seen on early post-war guns. Serial number is evident in six places, unsure if the sight is numbered as I've not had it off. No Box.

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.............SmithNut

This 1951 example is a K38 Heavy Masterpiece due to the newer non-tapered wide rib barrel. The gun has the original numbered magnas, trigger stop, standard serrated trigger and fish-hook hammer. The serial number is still evident in six locations. The gun has it's original two piece Gold Box. The gun is unfired (since leaving the factory anyway).

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.............SmithNut

This K38 Heavy Masterpiece is the virtual twin - configuration wise - to the above 1951 gun, except that it's a bit less in the rating (probably 98/99% due to an ever so slight spot of muzzle wear on both sides ). Original Gold Box. The right Magna panel has a small chip out of the top, bummer...

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.............SmithNut

1952 - a Great year!
This revolver continues with the (now) standard wide rib, non-tapered barrel. Still equipped with standard serrated trigger, fish hook hammer, trigger stop, etc. The Magnas on this particular gun are period, but not original. Finish is the matte blue finish in use at the time. Serial number still on all normal places (5 on this gun since the grips aren't original). No box. Slight amount of muzzle wear... they can't all be perfect...

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.............SmithNut

very,very nice indeed...i only have one model 14-3 and i love it! your history presentation was very interesting..thanks for going to all the work putting this together!

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Beautiful collection. Other than the Dayton guns, did K-38's ever come with PC magnas?

Thanks all, appreciate the comments....
I really enjoyed putting this together, the K-38 Masterpiece family has been sitting idle for some time and needed to get some sunlight...



GyMac, the only K-38 Masterpiece variation that I've confirmed as shipped with PC Magnas is the Dayton gun, as you note. It's certainly possible that somewhere, showhow PC Magnas made it on a regular production gun, but it would have been one of those examples where they were out of standard Magnas and grabbed what was available, IMO......
The only other possibility would be one of the special order 4 inch guns made (other than the Dayton run) that could have been shipped with the PC/Modified Magnas......

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.............SmithNut

Hey Smithnut thanks for posting all of the great photos. I love the Rosewood diamond target grips on one of them.

Thanks

Troy

Very nice assembly and I appreciate you going thru the effort to display them for us.

I have two, a 95% circa 1952 I acquired a few months back, and a 98+% circa 1949 that I have had for 10 years or more. My 1949 (according to the 3rd edition) has the heavy non-tapered barrel. I assume from that, it was in that year they changed to the heavy barrel. Mine is serial #810xx. Thanks again for explaining the differences in each model.

Thank you very much for taking the time to post all these photos and related information.

Thanks for the excellent pictoral essay.

Here's my 14-4 I acquired from a local gunshow a couple of weeks ago.

Super nice post sir!! Love it! Here's mine M14-2 from 1966, factory single action.

Excellent pictorial and essay. You have an outstanding collection of K-38's.

Smithnut your essay is the kind of info I remember from when I first joined this forum. This level of S&W education has been missing, I thank you for bringing it back.


GF

Simply unbelievable!!! What a great show. Thanks Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

A great presentation. Thank you for taking the time to create and post it.

We need more of this kind of thing.

Super collection. I only have one K38 Masterpiece, a 14-3 from around 1969 that I bagged on GunBroker about 4 years ago at the starting price of $100.

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No life story has happy end.

Excellent thread. Thank you very much.

SmithNut, as always, a truly spectacular presentation. Thank you for sharing with the Forum. All My best, Joe.

Thank You for an entertaining as well as educational post on the K-38.

FN in MT

This is the stuff that noobs like me need. Thanks for your efforts!

Bob

Smithnut
Well done!I hope the moderators save this somewhere.This is the kind of
presentation that is fundamental to the hobby.Great pictures,advertising
materials ,etc..Thanks
Wayne Byram

Hello Rob.
I still have my model 14-2 Dayton gun. With numbered p.c. magnas.
Love to shoot this one.





picture of the model 10 barrel with ramp base installed.





And a "very special gun" 5" K-38 Masterpiece ,Illinois state police. K302808. Showing wear as one that was carried would.








And my model 14-3 P.P.C. gun ,with thousands of 38s' downrange.






Regards , Allen Nut

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

Mr.Smithnut, I too would like to thank you for posting; a lot of great information, as usual. I've got four of them and echo your high regard for this model. Here are some photos, followed by a couple of questions:
K1784xx; 1953, 5-screw pre-14; I always thought that the target hammer was after market, but after reading your post, maybe not:

K3024xx; 1957, 4-screw pre-14; same sn range as the Ill.S.P., but not so lucky as to be one; notice the "fish hook" hammer:

K6695xx; 1966, 3-screw M14-2; nothing great about it except the way that it shoots:

1K742xx; 1971, 3-screw M14-3; 8-3/8" bbl w/cheezey-looking Siles grips (...gotta get some of those Spegals) :


So...a couple of questions:
1. Is the "fish-hook" hammer likely correct for the above 1957 4-screw?
2. Did the K38 Masterpieces from the early 50's have plastic grip medallions like we sometimes see in the K22's and K38 Combat Masterpieces from the Korean War period?

Thanks again for taking the time to post this thread. -S2

Great pics Speedo2, thanks for posting.
To your questions...

1- I believe your gun is likely original, I have one 4 screw Model 14 (model marked) from 1958 that has the fish hook hammer and believe it's original. The factory didn't throw anything away and I've seen many guns into the late 50's using that hammer, so it's likely original, IMO.

2- I've not really paid any attention to the plastic medallion thing, but I have this nagging "remembrence" that they were later - into the 60's timeframe for some reason. Can't help here, but will inspect my collection to see if any are plastic and post an update.

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.............SmithNut

Thanks for sharing the pics of your Masterpieces! I especially love the 5" ISP gun. What I'd give to run across one of those. I own a 1954 K-38 (K2177XX). It's in like new condition (I've never fired it..I've got a K-38 made in 1971 that I shoot). I've love the old 5 screw smiths. Once again, thanks for the history lesson of the K-38.

With regard to the "Fishhook" or "Sculpted" hammer, I think that a few escaped even later than the 50's. The lower gun here is a model marked 10-dash-something-or-other well into the 60's. I've had it a while and considering that I bought it from a non-aficionado, I believe it is as built.



Drew

I have only seen the plastic medallions in a very short window in the very early 50's.
In other words, 5 screw guns from around 51, as I recall. I do not believe they were specific to particular models, but that is just a guess. Hard to tell, cause they are so rarely seen. I have seen them on two different K frame models, and one small frame, but I don't remember what it was.
I have yet to find them on an N frame.
I think they abandoned the idea very quickly.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Beautiful write up as usual. Thanks

I think we ought to have a special section in the forum where all these 'informal pictorial essays' of Mr SmithNut should be stored so all can see and learn.

These are too good to let disappear to the bottom of this section never to be seen again.

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ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

Thanks again, all....
Appreciate all the comments and would like to add that this info is just what I've learned from my long term interest in the K-38 Masterpiece (M14). It's certainly not, by any stretch of the imagination, a definitive piece of info, there's lots more to learn about this long-ignore (for the most part ) model.
I've learned and benefited from others on this forum and within the collector community - notably Mike Priwer - who has shared his knowledge with me and others over the past few years. I've also benefited from being able to add to my collection from his generosity.
As relates this thread, I'd request that any and all who have pics or information on this fine example of S&W craftmanship, please add to and share what you know.
This is truly what this forum is about, learning and sharing. There are many new folks that join here looking for info to guide them, whether for a one-time request or long term enthusiast reasons. Let's help them where we can.

Regards, and Thanks again!

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.............SmithNut

NICE thread, SmithNut.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

SmithNut,

It would be an easy matter to use your text and pictures to turn this into an article for the S&WCA Journal. Why not? My only wish would be to add some info/pics about the U.S. Military purchases of Model 14's.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

Thanks for the comments Kevin, appreciate the suggestion. Obviously this is a work in progress with more to do. I'll definately keep that in mind as I fill in the holes in this collection. As for the Military purchases, I'm not totally familiar with all the aspects there, although I've followed some of the discussions of the AFPG marked guns....
When the time comes, it's likely that I'd have to connect with someone that has focused on the Military aspect of the K-38 Masterpiece and possibly do a joint article.

Thanks again, appreciate the suggestion

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.............SmithNut

Excellent Post.

The Model 14 / K38 masterpiece is a target-shooters best friend.

Thumbs up! :-)

Thanks for posting that! Very informative.

A hearty Thank You! SmithNut. I'll be spending some extra time going over your great photos of these guns.

Jerry

I know this took some time to put together and the results are great. Thanks for sharing a great collection of 14's. I only have one left, its one of 10 of an over run sent to Miami Fla. The over run is the Illinois State Police 5" revolvers. Thanks to Linde I now own this gun. Thanks Russ, Larry

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Really enjoyed your post it was very informative. I like the fact that you decided to collect guns that others had no or little intrest in. Its kinda like collecting revolvers as most of the gun nuts I see in local shops want black plastic bottom feeders. Thank God for them they leave the revolvers for us old school six gun lovers. So next time your in a local shop and you see one of these guys handling a black pistol tell em
that is deffinatly you and you better get two of them, One for each hand.....

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Bob
Sic Semper Tyrannis

This old guy was probably someones duty gun. It shows lots of holster wear and it suffered a little corrosion on the cylinder somewhere in its life. I shoots like a dream...smooth and very accurate. I picked it up a couple years ago for three hundred bucks. Someone has to save these old working guns.

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Andy

I can't show a photo of it right now because it is buried in storage while we have our new house built, but I have a four inch bull barreled four screw Model 14 (no dash). When I first glanced at it in the gun shop counter I thought it was a Model 19 until I saw there was no shroud covering the ejector rod. The magna-style grips are serial numbered to the gun. The serial number is K406xxx. I need to get it factory lettered somewhere down the line.

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SWCA 2379

I look forward to seeing it.

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I type. Therefore I am.

Sorry I have not been around lately but happened upon this thread and it definitely got my attention.

While I have owned Smith wheel guns since 1958, I bought my first Model 14 in 1969, a 6-inch version that started me reloading. Since then, there have been dozens of them in many variations. The 8 3/8" versions were always my favorite shooters. Because of a change in my life recently, I sold a number of duplicates but am retaining enough to keep me happy.

If I were to dump all Smith wheel guns, a Model 14 (and maybe a Model 17) would be the absolute last to go.

Great thread!!!!

Awesome presentation of beautiful revolvers for a new guy to view. I loved it - and hopefully I learned a couple things. I only have one Model 14 at present, but after seeing these works of art, am desiring to add to my SMALLl collection. Mine a full-lug 6" barrel 14 with the round butt. Love the feel and looks of it. Probably about 98%. The only challenge right now is finding a set of nice grips for that model of round butt.

Again thanks so much,
Fred

thank you !! outstanding !!!

Fantastic educational post. I am in awe of your knowledge & collection. Thank you

Nice photo essay, "SmithNut". I regret not buying several K38s before I retired from the LAPD. There were LOTS of them around, including 4" cut-down ones that had been re-issued. The old-time coppers that had them would have sold them upon retirement for $75.00 or so cash (LAPD would sell the issued revolver as "surplus" to the retiring officer for around $50.00). I knew of a couple that were literally almost NIB after issue in the Academy to the officer. Nobody (including me) wanted an old 6" .38 then.
Bob

Very educational and well done, thank you Mr. Smithnut.

I have thought for a while now that I might want a K-38. I am thinking now I "have" to have one some day.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

thank you for sharing.... these are really nice. I started bullseye with a model 14 and have several, not as early as yours. they all shoot very well.