K 38 Masterpiece Serial#100855

[gatekeeper]

I have acquired K 38 Masterpiece Serial #K * 100855 it came in the original box and is in 97% original condition, was priced at 650.00. The dealer said it was made in 1950. This is my first 5 screw could anyone verify this?

By the way there is a star on the butt in between the K and the 100855 and I have never had a S&W with a star.

 

[Camster]

Yes-1950 is correct.

 

[DCWilson]

The star usually indicates that a gun has gone back to the factory at some point for further work -- maybe a repair or adjustment, maybe a refinish. If you pull the stocks, you may see a date code on the frame like 10.65, which would stand for October 1965. While you have the stocks off, check the right panel to see if the gun's serial number (without the K) is pressed into the wood.

I have K-38 K100091, which shipped in December of 1950. Yours probably shipped about the same time, but may have gone out in early 1951. S&W did not have a policy of shipping in serial number order.

Can you post pictures? We love pictures here.

If this is your first Masterpiece, you're going to love it.

 

[gatekeeper]

It is my second K 38 the first one I got in 1975. I used the combat masterpiece for 10 years as an Air Force Security Policeman. This is the first 5 screw weapon and it is stamped inside the frame 10 52. It does have the Fish hook target hammer and the .50 target trigger. the one I got in 75 did not have the wide trigger or hammer. I have not got out to shoot it yet, hope to soon. I will get some Pictures soon.

Thanks for the knowledge, it' never to late.

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations to your friend on the purchase of a classic S&W revolver.

 

[murphydog]

As David mentioned, it went back to the factory in October 1952 for...something. The factory put the star there to ensure it wasn't resold as a new gun, so you at least know it came back from there as good as new. Enjoy!

 

[gatekeeper]

Picture K 38

Here is the 5 screw K 38 SN K * 100855. I would like to thank everyone for your help.

 

[DCWilson]

Excellent!

 

[au2183]

Wonderful old K 38! I have a model 14, but I'm still looking for a 5 screw. They seem to be less available than K 22's around here.

 

[gatekeeper]

I got lucky on this one, has a great feel with the target trigger and target hammer.

 

[Art Doc]

gatekeeper- I have to ask why you you keep omitting the K prefix when you describe the serial? You know it's there as you mentioned it when discussing the star stamp so why leave it out when you talk of the serial? It is part of the serial, you know.

 

[gatekeeper]

K * 100855

Well I guess I did not include the K because I trying to confirm the date the weapon was made. So if I include everything there is a K and Star* in front of the number. See Photo

 

[redhawk444]

I have a model 14 that is serial numbered at 1K73184, which is a lower number than the above...did the serial numbers change when they went to numbers for models?

And does anyone know when mine was made?

 

[Art Doc]

Most S&W models use a letter prefix in the serial and the letter is part of the serial number. All post war K frame revolvers with adjustable sights had the K prefix and when you post a number omitting the letter prefix I am unsure if you have the correct serial or are looking at an assembly number sometimes stamped on the guns.

 

[jimgoldth]

I have a model 14 that is serial numbered at 1K73184, which is a lower number than the above...did the serial numbers change when they went to numbers for models?

And does anyone know when mine was made?

It should be around 1970. After the original K plus 6 digits was filled in 1970 the K preceeded with a number with up to 5 digits following. All through the 1970s the K was preceeded by a number or numbers up to 311K273 when the 3 letter 4 number series of serial numbers around 1983

 

[redhawk444]

It should be around 1970. After the original K plus 6 digits was filled in 1970 the K preceeded with a number with up to 5 digits following. All through the 1970s the K was preceeded by a number or numbers up to 311K273 when the 3 letter 4 number series of serial numbers around 1983

Thanks, that is about when I purchased it but it was a used gun at the time.....