Combat Masterpiece - Approximate Earliest Serial Numbers

[FPrice]

I came across a nice but rather well-used Pre-Model 15 Combat Masterpiece today. Wearing non-relieved target stocks but otherwise pretty much as it came from the factory I guess. Story was that it was a policeman's gun and it looks it.

I am curious about when in the K serial number range these fine revolvers started being produced.

I know where it is, just trying to talk myself into buying it. Problem is I am still recovering from sending a YUGE check to Uncle Sam for estimated taxes (ouch, that hurt!). Trying to come up with a fair offer.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[JP@AK]

The .38 Combat Masterpiece was first produced in 1949. The serial range for that year was K73122 through K84149 and they would have been spread between several models, including the K-38 Masterpiece, the .38 Combat Masterpiece, the K-22 Masterpiece, etc.

Somewhere in that range the first CM appeared. I do show a K-38 Masterpiece that shipped to Evaluators, LTD., on January 17, 1950, with serial number K79351. Clearly some in the low 1949 serial range didn't move out the door until the next year.

I also show a .38 Combat Masterpiece with serial number K101956 that shipped in January, 1951.

I'm not sure how much this helps, but it gives you a bracket to work with.

 

[DWalt]

I believe that the commonly-accepted first SN for the Combat Masterpiece is K76000 which shipped in late 1949.

 

[LEO918]

I have an early Combat Masterpiece K 80xxx range. I've often wondered just how early in 1949 it was shipped.

 

[DWalt]

I have an early Combat Masterpiece K 80xxx range. I've often wondered just how early in 1949 it was shipped.

Yours likely shipped sometime in early 1950.

 

[turnerriver]

I'm away at the moment but I'm pretty sure that my Evaluators Ltd. sales lists show some 1949 shipped Combat Masterpieces. I'll check when I get back.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[iskra]

Child of the Forties?

Just throwing in pix below of my C/M SN K831xx. Although most of these earlier guns apparently not shipped until 1950+, assume “production" serial figures still good for actual manufacturing dates? Like the idea mine, a ‘forties baby’! Very interesting to know just how many of that 1949 year production were actual CM models. Sounds like such info not in the cards.

Of my several Masterpiece models, yrs: '48, '51 ("Heavy Barrel") & '78 - 8 3/8" Bbl., the CM here - a personal favorite!
Great guns, these all!
My take

 

[turnerriver]

I have a Smith & Wesson Stock and Sales Record book from Evaluators, Ltd. The entries are hand written in ink. Sold dates run from June 9, 1949-Jan. 11,1950.
The first Combat Masterpiece entry is as follows:
K 75630, possibly 76630, cal. 38, length 4, finish B with CM noted, sold to Cpl. L.F. O'Byrne, USMC, RR DET., Quantico, Va. Sold on August 19, 1949 for $54.00. The serial number appears to have been changed from K 76630 to 75630,it could be the other way around. The next two entries are for August 25, they list the sales of Combat Masterpiece serial numbers K 76079 and K 76128. The majority of entries in this book are for 6" K-38 revolvers with a smattering of .32 HE, M&P and .357 Magnum revolvers as well as the Combat Masterpiece listings.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[glowe]

I have an early Combat Masterpiece K 80xxx range. I've often wondered just how early in 1949 it was shipped.

Leo, don't forget, as a SWCA member, you can request and obtain a guaranteed accurate ship date for your CM from Roy.