k "38" Masterpiece question.

[target tech]

I posted earlier that I am the proud new owner of a K32 that belonged to a friend of my father's. Well I just got a phone call from my dad and, while helping to clean out the basement of the same friend, he found a beautiful gold S&W box.

In that box was a like new K 38 Masterpiece, but the caliber was not .38 special. On the side of the barrel was .38 S&W. How rare are these and what could it be worth? The Smith and Wesson book doesn't even talk about a .38 S&W Masterpiece. Any help would be appreciated. This is not for my benefit, but for his widow.

 

[DCWilson]

I think something may have escaped your dad's notice as he was looking at the gun. It may have been a masterpiece box, but possibly the gun was a Commonwealth contract revolver in .38 S&W and without adjustable sights. Or perhaps the word "special" was simply so lightly rollmarked that it appeared the caliber designation stopped with the "S&W" after the numerals. At any rate, I don't think S&W ever produced an adjustable sight version of a K-frame revolver that chambered the .38 S&W round.

Can you get the serial number from that gun and post it here (or at least all but the last couple of digits). We would need any letter prefix as well.

And I realize it is asking a lot under the circumstances, but photos would be a big help.

 

[target tech]

He is not mistaken. He knew that his friend had two of these. One that he shot and the other that he didn't. The shooter was sold a quite a few years ago. He wasn't sure if the other was still arround or not. My dad ran the serial number through the book and it is 1949. There isn't any chance of pictures for a while, because I'm in WV and the gun is in PA. ----- My dad is 75 and will not own a computer.

 

[DCWilson]

Thanks for the follow-up. Looks like the situation will remain mysterious until you have a chance to see the revolver, confirm its date and chambering, and perhaps post a couple of pics. Please post back what you find when the opportunity presents itself.

 

[peyton]

I would buy that one also!!

 

[JSR III]

Remember that all things are possible with S&W. This was a company that was in business to make money, not fit into books for collectors.

I agree with Peyton buy that one too and sort it out later. If the gun is in as good a condition as you state, regardless of what it is, buy it. I'm almost as old as that gun and I am in no way in "like new" condition.