K-38 From the middle to late 1960's

[Henry O]

My father-in-law purchased a K-38 perhaps sometime in the 1967-1968 period of time from a San Diego hardware store. I saw the original box and receipt six or seven months ago and am now searching for box and paperwork among many other unrelated items.

He said that he fired less than 100 rounds when it was new, put in back in the box and that is where it has been for at least forty-five years. The gun moved around parts of the country with him but apparently always in its original box. I don't think he even had the box out, much less the gun until this last year when he showed it to me and later a friend.

Had it recently checked out, cleaned and oiled. Very good shape and that reflects what he told me about its lack of use over the years. Serial number is K7508XX. Would say it is almost like new from a novice prospective.

Nothing I am interested in selling but wondering about the approximate value of the 14-2. Thanks.

 

[Henry O]

Thanks

GA 1911 - Thanks the information is helpful. May be required to put something other than my personal estimate, which has little knowledge behind it, on an estate form. I am looking forward to having time for a trip to the range. Best regards, Henry O

 

[JP@AK]

K7508XX = 1967.
My Model 14-2 is also in the K7508xx range (K750867 to be exact). Also from 1967, obviously.
It is ANIB, less the original stocks, but those on it now are period correct. I bought it a few years back from a Forum member and paid about $550 delivered. I guess they've gone up since then.

 

[JP@AK]

I am a fan of the K-38 Target Masterpiece Model 14

Me too! (Only the correct name is K-38 Masterpiece. It is a target revolver but "Target" has never been part of the name, despite the error in the SCSW.)

Here are some pics of a few of mine:

 

[Henry O]

Mine is 07 and certainly not very far from yours. When I find the original box out it has the receipt. Will let you know what he paid new for it in San Diego.

 

[loeman]

I saw two Md 14s in a LGS just this past Friday. A 14-4 in superb like new condition with target stocks for $699 but no box etc. Another 14-2 in a little lesser condition but with magnas, orig. box, papers and tools for $599. I know they will soon sell. Therefore, your 14-2 should be in the $700 range, especially if you locate the box, tools and papers.

 

[loeman]

Me too! (Only the correct name is K-38 Masterpiece. It is a target revolver but "Target" has never been part of the name, despite the error in the SCSW.)

I saw an original box for a Md 14-2 just the other day. If I remember correctly the model of the gun was printed on the end of the box opposite the sticker label and what I remember is "Target Masterpiece". Could be wrong though.

 

[greenmachine]

My K-38 is a K69xxxx from 1966. Pictured here between a 25-2 and a 17 no-dash.

 

[jackvs1]

You have a K38 Masterpiece, Model 14-2. Mine was shipped in September 1967 and the serial number is K754572. It was shipped in a blue box. Without the original box I would say yours is would probably get $500 - $550.

 

[JP@AK]

I saw an original box for a Md 14-2 just the other day. If I remember correctly the model of the gun was printed on the end of the box opposite the sticker label and what I remember is "Target Masterpiece". Could be wrong though.

Okay. I just pulled the Model 14-2 off the shelf in my gun room. On the box end opposite the printed label it says:

SMITH & WESSON
K-38 Masterpiece
Blue Finish Model 14
6-inch barrel

That's it.

On the older gold boxes, the top said, "K-38 Masterpiece Companion Gun to the K-22 and K-32 Masterpieces"
On the end, it said, "K-38 Masterpiece." On the side, it said, "Smith & Wesson K-38 Masterpiece Target Revolver."

S&W never called these guns the "K-38 Target Masterpiece." Period.

 

[JP@AK]

Yes. Sort of.
The Model 14 is the K-38 Masterpiece. It normally had a 6" barrel and a Patridge front sight.
The Model 15 is the .38 Combat Masterpiece and it normally had a 4" barrel and the Baughman Ramp front sight.