Early K frame grips Adapter (?)

[jumbeaux]

I am trying to identify a early K frame grip adapter (filler) with the shoe that can be adjusted (angle)...I really don't know what to call it. It came with a set of diamond grips...the short version with the silver S&W Medallion at the very top. These adapters (?) are stamped steel and they fit the configuration of the grips exactly with the exception of material that holds a pivoting shoes...the only marking is Pat number 184882 S&W. The right walnut grip panel is stamped 6333XX...any ideas of the proper name and what they might be worth ? Thank you very much...

rick

 

[jumbeaux]

Adapter

Thank you Mr. Howell for the assistance sir...

rick

 

[opoefc]

You have a S&W K frame grip adapter made by S&W and designed by Harold & Joe Wesson. The were first marketed in the early 1930s and are shown in the catalogs for the 1930s era. The K frames adapters came in both square and round butt styles, and if ordered with a gun, then the grip panels were shaved slightly on their backs to accommodate the thickness of the adapter. J and N frame adapters were also made, N frame being the size most commonly encountered. All I have ever seen were blued, but it's possible that nickel plated examples may have been made for nickel guns. They were dropped from the catalogs in the late 1930s. Repros of the N frame style are currently being made and offers to collectors in the $100+ price range. They are marked differently than the originals to allow collectors to tell the difference. EBay sales of the K frame adapters, such as yours, usually run in the $150 range, with one pair, square butt, sold at $350 last year. The grips with your adapter would have been a mid to late 1930s shipped gun, so the adapter may be original to that gun. Ed.