1948 K-38 One Line Joins my Collection

[bullmack]

Next to none. The ones that exist may all have been salesman samples--perhaps a dozen or fewer.

Remember that commercial distribution of the K-32 didn't really get under way until February of 1949, nearly a year after the four-line order came down from on high. At least two K+four digit K-32s are known, and both apparently have large ejector rod knobs. These guns were produced in 1946, according to factory records. There is one known commercially distributed LERK K-32 known from 1949. It is possible that the K-32 Masterpiece is the only masterpiece model in which the vanishingly rare LERK specimens outnumber the even more rarely encountered single-line variety. But with only three specimens to talk about, it is hard to be sure.

David - I sent Roy a letter request last week on my K-32, single line, LERK seen in the link below. Based upon recent letter turn-around times it will probably be a while before/if we know any more about this one. Mine is a March 1948 gun.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/363443-k-32-serial-number-k2244-new-info-post-11-now-new-pictures.html

 

[DCWilson]

Dennis, just about everybody here is waiting to see what the full story is on that gun. You'd better not delay in posting once you hear!

The 1949 gun I had in mind turned up a few months ago with a serial number in the K66xxx range, as I recall. Four line address, LERK. Who'd have predicted you'd find a large knob on a gun with that high a serial number?

 

[Wingmaster]

Never mind, I just answered my own question.

Thanks

Wingmaster

 

[Hdhic]

Great looking old pistols. Keep the "real" pistol pictures coming.
Hdhic aka Cliff

 

[bullmack]

K23338

Single line address. Narrow extractor knob. Shipped June 1948. I just bought this and do not have it in my hands yet. Supposed to be here Saturday.