.22 With No Model # .....What Do I Have Here?

[Lewdog66]

This one came from my Dad's Collection (mostly from the '50s)
but it was hardly ever fired. The Blue finish is still very good.
I do not see a Model # stamped anywhere on it.
I am hoping to find the Model, the Year. and what the value
would be.

It is a .22 LR Hand Ejector with a 6" Barrel and Adjustable
Sights.
There is piping running down the top of the Barrel and Frame.
The Grips are not standard but I was told some years back
that the Gun may have been ordered with them. Is it possible
that these were a factory option?

The Six Digit Serial # on the Butt and Cylinder: K 259xxx
It is a 5 Screw and also has the Strain Screw in the front Gripstrap.

Please let me know if there is any other info I could provide to help Identify it and thank you for helping me with this

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

You have a K22. Model numbers were not assigned until 1957 and these stamped numbers didn't start appearing until 1958. It was probably built in 1955. Without a historical letter, it is hard to determine when it would have shipped.

The "piping" you mentioned is referred to as grooving or serrations.

 

[rct269]

You have what is known as a K-22 Masterpiece. They came into being in 1940---yours hailing from 1955. Your grips are of the custom made to order variety---and likely made to fit your father's hand. As to value, mine (from 1956) sold during the liquidation of my collection during the last three years ending a year ago for $950. Yours, in slightly better condition, and used less, would likely fetch a bit more.

You will enjoy shooting it (if you're a shooter)------and will enjoy just sitting and staring at it if you're not!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[JP@AK]

As Ralph stated, you have a K-22 Masterpiece. Based on the serial number, it probably left the factory in 1956. The top sideplate screw was eliminated sometime in 1956, so this one was assembled before that change took place.

Here are some nearby serial numbers with ship dates:

K249085 – shipped December, 1955
K249120 – shipped January, 1956
K251022 – shipped December, 1955
K253683 – shipped March, 1956
K258577 – shipped May, 1956
K267787 – shipped May, 1956

Obviously, they didn't ship in serial order, but that gives you a ballpark.

 

[rct269]

And to add to the oft times confusing order of ship dates we use to guesstimate shipping dates (rather than get a Letter of Authenticity from the S&W Historical Foundation), the one of mine mentioned above (K253444) shipped January 10, 1956---yet another bit of useless information in which we take a pretty much unwarranted amount of interest-----but it's part of what we do to amuse ourselves---or confuse ourselves.

And to quote an oft time used last line of a Letter of Authenticity, "We trust that the information furnished will be helpful and of interest."

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Retired W4]

Welcome to the forum Lewdog66. Your father's K22 Masterpiece was apparently very well maintained and cared for over the years. The after market target grips were added by him to suit his purpose. You might want to look around any hidey places he had for the original standard stocks. The inside of the right panel will be stamped with the SN with out the K prefix.

Enjoy your father's gun. They are really great revolvers.

 

[Lewdog66]

Great!

Thank you all for the great Info. It is highly appreciated.

 

[OutWest50]

Very nice K-22! As Retired W4 suggested, you might want to look around for the original grips ... and possibly original box.