Combat Masterpiece Question-Now With Pics

[442js]

I just picked up what I think is a Combat Masterpiece. It is a blued 4" .38 Special model with a serial number of K15XXXX which I believe puts the date of manufacture of 1947. According to the S&W Resource book the Combat Masterpiece came out a year later.

I know this gun isn't a M&P, and I am pretty sure it is a Combat Masterpiece. The gun was bought from a batch that was seized by the police so I am cleaning that gun right now or I would take some pictures.

Anyone know if the book is wrong or if I have something other then a Combat Masterpiece?

Thank you.

 

[DCWilson]

That does sound like a Combat Masterpiece, but the serial number points to 1952. The original K-38 Masterpiece with a six-inch barrel didn't even enter regular production until 1948, and then the earliest four-inch guns with ramp front sights (the determining characteristics of a Combat Masterpiece) did not appear until 1950.

 

[Art Doc]

If you would provide just a weeee bit more of the serial we can get closer. Really, don't be so paranoid, dude. You bought it from the cops so they already know you have it and nobody can do anything with the serial that wouldn't be far worse for them than you. If are really that concerned hiding the last 2 digits should be enough, no?

The 38 pictured below is K155836 and it shipped November of 1952. (OMG, I posted the whole serial! Let's see if anything bad happens. Hmm... not yet.)

 

[opoefc]

442js, I have several Combat Masterpieces, with close serial numbers, and they all were shipped in 1952. Your source of a 1947 date is in error. Ed.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I just picked up what I think is a Combat Masterpiece. It is a blued 4" .38 Special model with a serial number of K15XXXX which I believe puts the date of manufacture of 1947. According to the S&W Resource book the Combat Masterpiece came out a year later.

I know this gun isn't a M&P, and I am pretty sure it is a Combat Masterpiece. The gun was bought from a batch that was seized by the police so I am cleaning that gun right now or I would take some pictures.

Anyone know if the book is wrong or if I have something other then a Combat Masterpiece?

Thank you.

Serial numbers are not a reliable way to tell when the gun shipped as S&W did not ship guns or even complete guns in serial number order. The only reliable way to know for sure is a factory letter.

 

[Art Doc]

True, but of the 20 or so I have lettered only one was way out of sync. Based on my experience there is a 95% chance that the serial will tell you an approximate shipping year and that's all most folks want.

 

[442js]

Serial number is K1556XX. It is probably 1952 based on other posts. Gun is in pretty good shape with the only real wear was a little loss of blue around the muzzle.

Thanks for everyone's help. I will post some pictures soon.

 

[DWalt]

My SN list would place it near the end of 1952, maybe September or October. That's about as good a date anyone could establish without a factory letter stating an exact shipping date.

 

[442js]

My SN list would place it near the end of 1952, maybe September or October. That's about as good a date anyone could establish without a factory letter stating an exact shipping date.

I saw my problem. When I first looked up the serial number I missed one digit.

Thanks for your help.

 

[442js]

Combat Masterpiece Pictures

Here are some pictures of the Combat Masterpiece, and after I cleaned it up it looks pretty good. The only part that is a little rough is around the muzzle that is missing some blue. Is this gun 90%? What do you guys think it is worth?

 

[crsides]

hard to say. 95% +

Maybe 97%

 

[beagleye]

What a classic.

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice I love the 5 screw CM,
Does the grip have the same serial stamped on the inside ?
Is there a letter "B" stamped on the barrel flat (under the ejector rod).
Usually K target site guns of that vintage have the S&W "High Speed" (Fishhook) hammer,
but the wide target hammer was an option by then.
Also 1952 K grips are frequently found with grey plastic medallions instead of nickled brass,
Do yours appear to be the dull grey or shiney nickel ones in person ?
Thanks for sharing it ...Oh my guess on value is $400.00

 

[442js]

Very nice I love the 5 screw CM,
Does the grip have the same serial stamped on the inside ?
Is there a letter "B" stamped on the barrel flat (under the ejector rod).
Usually K target site guns of that vintage have the S&W "High Speed" (Fishhook) hammer,
but the wide target hammer was an option by then.
Also 1952 K grips are frequently found with grey plastic medallions instead of nickled brass,
Do yours appear to be the dull grey or shiney nickel ones in person ?
Thanks for sharing it ...Oh my guess on value is $400.00

I haven't been able to remove the grips since I don't have a screwdriver that small. I never had that problem before but all my slot screwdrivers won't fit into the opening for me to remove the screw.

I don't see a B stamped on the barrel where you mentioned it could be. The serial number is there.

The medallions are dull grey. The medallions have some raised characters so I thought it was metal, and not plastic.