Early Combat Masterpiece

[JP@AK]

Can someone tell me the serial number range for the earliest Combat Masterpieces? I know this has been done before, but I can't find it (I've never been able to get the search engine to work well for me on this site).
Also, what is the serial range for numbered target stocks on the Combat Masterpiece? Again, I know this was posted recently.
Can anyone help an old guy out here?
Thanks,
Jack

 

[murphydog]

The truth is out there, as the tagline from the TV show said...

Click on Search, then type into the Search Site/Google box. You should then be flooded with the threads you seek.

 

[JP@AK]

The truth is out there, as the tagline from the TV show said...

Click on Search, then type into the Search Site/Google box. You should then be flooded with the threads you seek.

Well, I'll try again, Alan. But usually when I do this I get a message that says nothing was found that matches my criteria. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I almost never get any results.

Jack

 

[murphydog]

Try the first text box ("Search Site/Google").

 

[JP@AK]

Okay. Thanks.
Jack

 

[murphydog]

This is the result from ".38 Combat Masterpiece":

http://smith-wessonforum.com/search...nk&cof=FORID:9&q=.38+Combat+Masterpiece&sa=Go

 

[DWalt]

Not precise, but the early ones would be around K100000. I've not seen the SN of the first one off the assembly line in 1950.

 

[DCWilson]

Generally speaking, if you have a CM with a serial number above K100000, you are in 1951 or later. There are a few 1950 CMs known with serial numbers in the K8xxxx and K9xxxx ranges. I think I recall hearing of one numbered in the K7xxxx range, but I can't be sure. That was a couple of years ago.

I don't think the floodgates opened on Pre-15s until 1951. Several are known to exist in the K100000 - K120000 range, after which you are mostly in 1952. K plus five-digit serial numbers are not frequently found, and I don't think there can be more than a few hundred of them.

I have K101707, which shipped in January 1951.

 

[red9]

I think one was stolen (hopefully to someone on the board) at this past RIA auction. Lot 2015 consisted of three Smiths, one a nicely (factory?) engraved Combat Masterpiece #K86xxx, wearing non-relieved targets.

Bob

 

[CL300]

I've got K81949, pre-15 CM. Should date late 1949.
Ren

 

[larryofcc]

I have # K199088, shipped 11-5-1953 that has the unrelieved target grips,(per factory letter), and they are not numbered to the gun. No markings at all. Big Larry

 

[LEO918]

Jack - I have Combat Masterpiece # K 80534. I think it could be the very first one to ship.

 

[JP@AK]

A hearty thanks to all of you for your replies. This has been very helpful.
Since this is an ongoing project for me, any other responses will be appreciated too.
I will now begin to work my way through all the previous threads on the CM, which Alan was gracious to provide.
Regards,
Jack

 

[robertwhite]

Never realized the CM I just picked up was a pretty early one. Serial is 940xx (1950). Too bad the original grips are long gone.

 

[Blackcloud2]

I have 860XX that is lettered to 1950. Hope that helps pen in a range.