Combat Masterpiece or ??? Help!

[helilogger]

What I have is a K frame, 38 Special, 5 screw, 4" revolver. The SN is K118xxx and the frame barrel, and cylinder all match. It has a 10 groove serrated top strap and barrel rib with adjustable sights and a Target hammer. The grips are not original. I think it may be some sort of transitional model. On one hand it has the characteristics of a Combat Masterpiece pre-model 15, and on the other it takes after the Model 15. I am confused. Can someone help straighten me out? Thanks! Dave

A couple of poor pics.......

 

[semperfi71]

I ain't the expert. But to me if it is marked inside the crane recess as "M15" or "M15-something) it's a M15.

If it is not marked a M15 it is the other. And the number of sidelplate screws tells me its the "other".

If it's not marked M15 but it has transitional features it would be a transitional.

But the experts will be along shortly.

Nice sixgun!

 

[COYOTEHUNTER]

That looks like a K38 Combat Masterpiece which is sometimes called a pre model 15. I would say with that serial number it probably shipped 1951. Nice piece.

Regards

 

[DCWilson]

Yes, that would be a 1951 revolver, and it is properly called a Combat Masterpiece. The caliber is not part of the name for this particular model. Since this configuration became known as the Model 15 after 1957, you can call it a Pre-15 for short.

The only thing definitely not original about your gun would be the current stocks, which show a post-1968 design. If you wanted to be authentic on the configuration, look for the similar magna-style stocks that have an unchecked diamond around the screw escutcheons. If you have a choice, look for diamond magnas that have a number not far from the frame number of your gun stamped on the inside of the right cheek piece. You won't see the K, but any diamond magna stocks numbered from say, 75000 to 150000 would not be out of place.

That's a target hammer, which was an option in 1951. It may have been on the gun when it shipped, or it may have been added later as an upgrade to what is called the speed hammer, which was standard on the Masterpiece models at this time. The speed hammer spur rises a little higher and is not quite so wide.

Very nice specimen. I have K101707, which may have been on the assembly floor only a few weeks before yours was. Mine shipped in January 1951.

 

[COYOTEHUNTER]

Gold Box

This is an example of the box that it would have come in from the factory.

Regards

 

[roger bartlett]

CM box

Hey Mitch, If that box is unfilled , I have a naked CM that would love to have it. I would appreciate the opportunity to buy it. I have a load of stuff to trade as well, let me know if you would consider. Regards, Bart CM #201367

 

[helilogger]

It never ceases to amaze me the information you experts provide. Thanks so much! By the way, what is a fair value as presented? I paid $431 out the door. Thanks a lot!

A very appreciative, Dave

 

[DGT]

I'd say you did very good at $431. I gave $450 for one like it a year ago and mine has considerably more wear. A friend from Texas called me yesterday to say he bought a five screw model, with original grips, for $575 and was pleased with that price.

 

[DWalt]

Your price is not bad. I dickered on a similar condition CM (but with original grips) this weekend. I would have gone for it at $500, but the seller wanted $650 and wouldn't budge, so I passed.