Identification of Revolver

[JasonBrick]

Howdy yall! I received this . 38 revolver from an older lady for a couple hundred bucks, and she told me her husband had used it in either Korea or Vietnam(She couldn't remember). Ive tried to figure out what revolver it is, but the finish and the grips keeps throwing me off. I appreciate any help you can provide!
I know it isn't a military model, but i figured it could have been brought from home, as I know that did happen from time to time.
Hand ejector, Adjustable post war sights

Serial number: K 109851
symbols on yoke: 5 W
numbers inside grip
Barrel Length: 6 inches
5 screw

 

[4K2022]

Thanks for sharing this most interesting Masterpiece. A quick check of the ser# dates to 1951, (according to me). So Korea would be possible. I'm expecting many more replies to your post with much more information.

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome aboard!
You bought a K-38 Masterpiece from about 1950-51. There's a little pitting on the butt under the finish and it was parkerized after it left the factory. The stocks (grips) are from a WWII Victory model. The screws are a little buggered, but it should be a good shooter.

I guess it's possible that the previous owner was associated with a US armory and had his personal gun reworked on the sly. It's more likely that the refinish was done commercially.

That was a good buy at $200.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

 

[JP@AK]

Hello JasonBrick and welcome to the S&W Forum.

Your revolver is properly designated as a K-38 Masterpiece, five screw variation. It very likely shipped from the factory in 1951. K109674 shipped in July, 1951.

As others have noted, the finish and the stocks are not original to this revolver.

 

[Old_Cop]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I'm guessing the previous owner had two revolvers and he switched the grips. I'm also guessing he let it get rusty and got it fixed by parkerizing. The screws got buggered when he used a screwdriver from the kitchen to take the sideplate off.

Gunsmith quality tools are always a great investment for the Gun Enthusiast.