K-22 Masterpiece Questions

[Johan_vn]

Hi everyone. Since starting my revolver endeavors two years back, which subsequently lead to an ad-hoc S&W revolver collection, I've always been on on the lookout for all kinds of S&W revolvers. It would be fair to assume that most people on this forum are in the US and would therefore not be familiar with how other parts of the world force law abiding citizens to jump through hoop to be so privileged to buy and own firearms and related paraphernalia. So recently a S&W .22 revolver was put up for sale on a whatsapp group that I'm following for a decent price ($300 direct conversion). The pictures where not very clear and even after I asked for more photographs I still couldn't figure out what model it was. The crane had a J stamped above a number and this lead me to believe it was a mod 35 because of the 6" barrel. It was only after the revolver arrived at the dealer where I'm storing it while applying for the license that I could have a look at it. In fairly good shape except for the grip that has a bit of a crack and the left side of rear sight that you can see took a knock. My research shows it's a 1955 model from the serial number.

My question is this: the gun is licensed under two different numbers in South Africa, the frame serial number starting with a K and then the number in the crane starting with a J. What they (the police) liked to do in the past is when there was a clash on the police database on serial numbers or they were uncertain of what to use, they required new numbers or the most prominent number to be stamped on all major parts of the firearm. In this case the K number is stamped under the barrel. Was this ever done by S&W or was this done afterwards by a gunsmith? This would obviously impact on the value of the revolver and will influence my decision to keep it. I already have a 17-2 with a 8 3/8" barrel and would like a 6" barrel as well, but I like to keep things original.

 

[JP@AK]

Hello and welcome to the S&W Forum.

You are probably correct that the K-22 Masterpiece in your photos was produced in 1955, although it may not have shipped until 1956. Numbers in that range left the factory in both of those years.

The serial number on the barrel flat is correct for that time period. In 1955, S&W was still putting the serial number in five places: Butt, barrel flat, rear face of the cylinder, back side of the extractor star and the rear edge of the yoke (difficult to see).

The letter and numbers on the yoke and in the yoke cut are irrelevant and have nothing to do with the serial number.

That five screw unit with the box is a nice find. Enjoy it once you are able to purchase it. The price you cited is ridiculously low from a USA standpoint.

 

[Retired W4]

Jack is correct as usual. The revolver is not a model 35, Model of 1953, 22/32 Target. Those were improved I frames and later J frames. Enjoy that gun and know most of us would jump on it at that price.

 

[4K2022]

“In this case the K number is stamped under the barrel. Was this ever done by S&W or was this done afterwards by a gunsmith? This would obviously impact on the value of the revolver and will influence my decision to keep it. “

Under the barrel, face of cylinder & frame butt are ALL appropriate Smith & Wesson serial number stampings.
Value,, very good +++
Keep it

 

[PMRet]

Beautiful K-22 and box at a great price!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! That's a very nice K-22 with the original box, and the price would make it hard to pass up here in the USA. That would be a $800-$1K revolver over here. Yours is one of the first I've seen that was shipped with the target hammer and target stocks, and the box verifies it. I have a 1948 K-22 (s/n K40403) that wears the standard magna stocks. I would jump on that K-22 if I were you, you won't be disappointed. Good luck!