K32 Masterpiece Question

[NavySCPO]

Like many on the forum, I own a K22 Masterpiece (1953) and a K38 Masterpiece (1949). And of course like most of those same folks, I really would love to fill the gap between those two beauties with a K32 Masterpiece. The prices on the (true?) K32's seem to go up daily. When I say 'true' I know that's incorrect, but what I mean are the Pre-57 models and not the Model 16. So therein lies the question(s)...

I've seen several K32's go in the $3000-5000 range or even higher, which seems to be pretty normal, but far too high for this old fella. On the other hand, I just saw a what appeared to be a very nice 16-4 sell on GB for just over a grand. What gives? I mean I know enough to realize the numbered models will be worth less, but isn't a Model 16 (dash whatever) the same firearm? Or is it? That's really the gist of this little rant I suppose. If I purchase a 16 dash model, have I really filled that gap between my others? Or am I just kidding myself that I have?

Thanks much, really looking forward to your opinions.

 

[H Richard]

The 16-4 was a re-introduction in 1989, in 32 H&R Magnum, with a full lug barrel. It was discontinued in 1993. There were a considerable number produced, and the different caliber, which is why the values are less.

There is nothing wrong with the 16-4, and it is a great shooter. Collectors prefer the original 32 Long version.

 

[larryofcc]

Wait and watch. It may pay off as it did for me on this Forum. A couple years ago, I bought an all matching, including the stocks, 95%+ K32 from 1953, for $2,250 shipped. It was the heavy bbl. variety. I was first to call and had to run to my credit union to see if I could secure a loan. The seller gave me 1/2 hr. to see if I could get the $$$. I did, and called him back. He had several offers for more $$$ than he posted. Being an honest man, I got to buy it for the original price. I thought the people offering more $$$, were rude. Big Larry, proud owner of a K32.

 

[NavySCPO]

The 16-4 was a re-introduction in 1989, in 32 H&R Magnum, with a full lug barrel. It was discontinued in 1993. There were a considerable number produced, and the different caliber, which is why the values are less.

There is nothing wrong with the 16-4, and it is a great shooter. Collectors prefer the original 32 Long version.

Thank you! You would have thought I would have at the very least noticed the full lug, not to mention the caliber, jeez feeling pretty stupid right about now.

So in truth was there only a 16 no dash, 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 which made up the K32 Masterpiece (and of course the originals before numbering)?

 

[rct269]

I'm so glad you asked for opinions, because I'm not so sure I can make a compelling case for what I may regard as facts.

I suspect, if a strictly scientific analysis were to be made of pre-model number guns and their successors----even pre-war guns and their successors, and if these analyses were made by completely objective analysts (of which there's no such thing in this hive----just as there's no true interest in such an analysis in this hive----but if there was---just pretending) their findings would show there's not a dime's worth of difference in any of these products-----with the possible exception the later products are better---never mind I wouldn't have one if you gave it to me.

So-----if there's no significant difference in these products from a practical point of view, why is there a difference in value/market price? Well, that's because of that word----market. The market/marketplace is what makes the world go around---like it or not.

So what that means to you---assuming you buy what I'm peddling, is you can buy a later, God forbid even a brand new gun for a comparatively reasonable price, and it's going to go bang when you want it to, it's going to send its bullets wherever you have it pointed, and it's going to last a long time with a minimum of fuss and bother----damn it anyhow!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[NavySCPO]

Wait and watch. It may pay off as it did for me on this Forum. A couple years ago, I bought an all matching, including the stocks, 95%+ K32 from 1953, for $2,250 shipped. It was the heavy bbl. variety. I was first to call and had to run to my credit union to see if I could secure a loan. The seller gave me 1/2 hr. to see if I could get the $$$. I did, and called him back. He had several offers for more $$$ than he posted. Being an honest man, I got to buy it for the original price. I thought the people offering more $$$, were rude. Big Larry, proud owner of a K32.

Thanks Big Larry, I certainly am envious! That was a great price for a sweet piece of history.

But who knows, stranger things have happened. Maybe I'll be as lucky, only time will tell.

 

[NavySCPO]

So-----if there's no significant difference in these products from a practical point of view, why is there a difference in value/market price? Well, that's because of that word----market. The market/marketplace is what makes the world go around---like it or not.

Ralph Tremaine

Absolutely a compelling point, well written and entertaining as always, thanks Ralph!

The free market IMHO made this country great, and I absolutely agree with your point. Not a popular theme in this day and time when we should just give everyone everything then go stand together and sing...oh well you get the point.

 

[Bucher33]

Those are two beautiful revolvers. Hope you find their stablemate.

 

[22hipower]

I'm in the same boat, sort of. Have K38s and K22s but no K32 yet. Almost added one at the last Symposium but couldn't quite make the deal. One will turn up one of these days. However, when a nice one eventually turns up it will likely not get to the range often given the price required to get it. And this is where the 16-4s come in, great guns in my opinion and much fun to shoot. I've had a good time this summer with my four inch. Will keep looking for the K32 just to have one, but the 16-4s are the ones I'll be shooting. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[bullmack]

This blind squirrel found his K32 in 2014 on GB for $1300. Unbeknownst to me and the seller it was wearing a set of prototype stocks (that didn't make it into production) and are worth serious $$$ on their own. As a topper the gun was shipped to the publisher of Field & Stream magazine! The gun has been pictured in this sub-forum a couple of times.

Pawn shops are probably a good place to find guns that the seller doesn't really know what he/she has.

 

[Green Frog]

One aspect about the price differential between the 16-4 and all the other K-16s and Model 16s is the fact that not only were the made most recently but also that there are as many or more 16-4s as all the other variants as well.

Froggie

 

[LEO918]

Here's my K-32. It's a Model 16 with after market nickel finish and non-original grips, however it was very affordable...

 

[larryofcc]

T

Thanks Big Larry, I certainly am envious! That was a great price for a sweet piece of history.

But who knows, stranger things have happened. Maybe I'll be as lucky, only time will tell.

My trifecta. K22, K32, and K38. All have boxes and the K22 is complete with tools and papers.
Also, thanks for your service to our country from this old Marine. Big Larry

 

[Jet guy]

50 year old Mod. 16-3

ANIB with TT, TH and factory installed RR & WO (w/factory work order invoice). In gun acquisition, Luck tops Skill every time.

 

[peyton]

I mentioned before that I saw an add about a K-32 for sale in Austin Texas while I was in Afghanistan. I contacted the seller and he said he would take $550.00 for it. I tried to explain it was a worth a lot more but he said he did not care. I contacted my wife and she met him in the Walmart parking lot and the deal was done. I did send her a picture of what it should look like and she later told me she got a "good vibe" before approaching the seller.
I called later and asked how he acquired the revolver. It turned out he had inherited a collection and was only interested in Tupperware guns. The only revolver he kept was a Korth in .357.

 

[cmansguns]

partial answer to rarity of K32 Masterpiece

I have assumed that the OP and other posters on this K 32 Masterpiece thread are discussing 6" barrels. I don't have my SCSW available at the monet so I really don't know actual production numbers for the K 32 Masterpiece, but if you open the attached Letter for my K22 Masterpiece, on page 1 is a note that Roy inserted about 1948 when they came out with 4" Combat Masterpiece in 22, 32 and 38. Note that the 4" K32 was not advertised and discontinued. Roy states that very few ever made it into production.

These "very few" 4" K32 Combat Masterpiece would certainly command premium prices ++ if authenticated.

Does anyone have their SCSW available to see what numbers of 6" K32's were made before changeover to Model 16?

Otherwise...it is just Internet bidding (and 2 buyer wars) that could account for big swings in my opinion.

 

[H Richard]

It is my understanding that only 10 were ever produced. One was purchased by one of our members, across the counter at a gun store that told him the barrel had been cut. It lettered as one of the ten. I'm pretty sure he made a fairly good profit on it in a short time.

 

[NavySCPO]

ANIB with TT, TH and factory installed RR & WO (w/factory work order invoice). In gun acquisition, Luck tops Skill every time.

Absolutely Beautiful!

"Age and Treachery will outdo Youth and Intelligence every time!"

 

[NavySCPO]

My trifecta. K22, K32, and K38. All have boxes and the K22 is complete with tools and papers.
Also, thanks for your service to our country from this old Marine. Big Larry

And to you Marine...Semper Fi

 

[Sevens]

The Model 16-4 certainly shares a lineage with the older 16's and the pre-model Masterpiece revolvers but the barrel is exceptionally gangly with the full lug and I can't see most collectors and lovers of the classic K-22 and K-38 Masterpiece willing to insert that chubby nephew in to their family picture.

Of course, they went to the same full lug with the 17-6 and a less common 14-dash-something also.

It's been said that 8,800 of the 16-4 were made. It seems that the 6-inch 16-4 may be the most plentiful of the three barrel lengths offered. My two 16-4's are both 6'ers.