So I acquired this Combat Masterpiece 5-screw serial K137,501. Matching numbers everywhere including stocks and with a target hammer. No box. Question is about the mirror blue finish. And it is not refinished! 1952 seems to early for this stunning bright mirror Carbonia blue? And what do those big B's everywhere mean? I really like this gun! Maybe this one needs a letter! Comments please!

It does not appear to be refinished by the photos, great camera work.

__________________
Who are those guys?

CJS57,

I'm reasonably sure what's generally referred to as a "Bright" Finish started showing up around 1950!! As far as questioning the Large Font B's that's a little puzzling!! Generally the B on the Frame designating it being a "Blued" Revolver will be the only area to have the Large Font, but I'm sure there's a good possibility that it's not that uncommon to have the Large B stamped in other areas as well, but not incorrect!! It's just you don't see them very often!! Maybe Bill (Doc44) will be along to explain!! Whatever the explanation is concerning the "Bright" Finish & Large B's, you acquired a Very Fine Combat Masterpiece!! Enjoy!!

__________________
Masterpiece

This earlier thread nails it!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-han...ue-finish.html

Basically the Bright Blue finish was an extra cost option, even as early as 1948, Thank you Masterpiece! The large letter B (for bright?) is seen stamped on those guns that got the optional Bright finish. The large B is on the frame, barrel, crane and cylinder of my gun too. Then about late 1955 the bright finish became standard.

CJS57,

Thanks!! I must have been daydreaming & missed that Thread a couple years ago!! I was basing my opinions on past encounters with Revolvers I've owned that were factory documented as to having the "Bright" Finish!! I stand corrected!!

__________________
Masterpiece

That is beautiful!

__________________
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

hello there everyone a friend of mind sold me exactly the same revolver like yours its serial # is K 163988 can anyone of you guys out there can tell me a little bit of history about my revolver and when it was made tnx a lot guys

mon villegas, your revolver was probably shipped in 1953 give or take a year.

I have one from '52 with the satin finish, the old guy that I bought it from told me that you could get the bright blue for $3.00 more.

Here is an early special order bright blue 1950's 22 Combat Masterpiece complete with box etc. Notice how the end label is marked BRIGHT. Satin/dull blue was the standard finish, with bright blue being a special order option..

and when did it stop being standard?

As Smith moved into the 3 screw guns the finish became a little less total mirror but was still very high luster. This continued on until the end of carbonia blue in 1978. During those years, individual guns can vary. Some more or less near mirror, some less.

ah thanks its kind of funny I did pick up on that on some of the latter smith and wessons like the 29 I have which was a 1980, still got a good finish on it with a decent shine but its just not as deep nor as nice looking as the finish on my beat to hell 50's K22 which has got a very nice patina to it.

Very handsome revolver, interestingly I have a Pre 15 from 1949/50 (I think) and it has a subdued finish, almost like a model 28.

I see no signs of your revolver being refinished.Someone took very good care of it.That is a beauty!

I have a similar gun purchased in 1957 from Evaluators, Ltd.
Bob Murphy
[email protected]