K38 Combat Masterpiece date and value?

[gunluvver]

A museum I volunteer at has this K38 in it's archives. It sports a pair of Frantzite stag grips. SN is K 97655. It doesn't have any wear on it. We want to raffle it off to raise funds for the museum. Trying to figure a value to be able to maximize the return. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[gunluvver]

Having problems posting pics. I'll keep trying.

 

[murphydog]

Likely from 1949. Please check your PMs in a minute for photo posting tips.

 

[Targets Guy]

A K-38 CM, s/n K97481 shipped 11/1950.

 

[Inusuit]

Unfortunately the lack of original grips is value deduct.

Completed auctions on GunBroker for similar guns run from $500 to $800.

Probably the lower value for yours. The auction will set the price. Might consider $400 for minimum opening bid.

I am also a museum volunteer. Sometimes auctions for a good cause exceed the actual market value.

 

[DWalt]

FYI, it is a .38 Combat Masterpiece, not a K-38 CM. Franzite grips detract from its value.

 

[handejector]

Is there any provenance?
If provenance shows the grips were replaced by a lawman or other notable person, leave them on it. If not, you might consider replacing them with the correct type for $100-150.
Either way, sell enough tickets to equal $1000-1200.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

If you are having problems posting pictures, see these video tutorials:
Video Tutorials on Posting Pictures

 

[glowe]

I am not even sure I would leave those plastic grips on if a lawman owned the gun at one time, since it would be unknown what owner might have changed them. Normally, you would see a dramatic reduction in collector interest without the original Magna style stocks. That serial number was manufactured in 1950 and would sell for around $800 and up in the condition shown on one of my Masterpiece revolvers below. Compare that one with the image I show for condition comparison. You can also look on ebay for Magna stocks like those on my CM. Good luck.

 

[DWalt]

I agree it could likely find a buyer if priced at around $1K if truly “it doesn’t have any wear on it,” and with correct grips. A raffle might work at $5/ticket if you believe you have more than 200 likely ticket buyers in your area. Finding original period correct grips in very high condition could be a little difficult. Those shown above are commonly called “sharp shoulder Magnas” and were used as factory standard from the mid-1940s into the early 1950s. Someone here may have a pair they are willing to sell. I have several pair, but they are not in a condition commensurate to a high condition CM without a fairly expensive professional refurbishment. You might look on eBay as they sometimes appear there. Later Magna grips similar in appearance, and in high condition, are more common, and will be less expensive, but they will not be period correct. And that counts to a collector.

 

[gunluvver]

Here's the pics of the revolver. Best I could do under the circumstances.

 

[Breakaway500]

Very nice! I’d swap out the grips for sure if it’s for sale..kinda like showing a Corvette with a flat tire. If I saw that at a local shop table for $700 or less, even with the cap gun grips, I’d buy it as I like the Combat Masterpieces.

 

[JP@AK]

I don't show a .38 Combat Masterpiece anywhere near that serial number except for the one Targets Guy listed. But here are some ship dates for nearby K-38 Masterpiece revolvers:

K99066 K-38 Heavy Masterpiece, January, 1951.
K99367 K-38 Masterpiece, December, 1950.

Also a K-22 Masterpiece, K95402, November 1950.

 

[TANZER]

1950

K22 SN 86700 shipped 6/28/1950

 

[raljr1]

I would sell it with the grips that are on it. I would be surprised if the cost of new grips would be recouped in the auction.

Robert

 

[mchom]

I would leave the current grips on it. Is it a local raffle only?

 

[gunluvver]

It will be a local raffle that will start in November and go through April, which covers our normal event season. There will also be a well used Ruger Blackhawk with a Mexican made gunfighter rig in a separate raffle running at the same time. I figure 250 tickets each at $5.00 a ticket would be easily attainable. All funds will go to support the Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache Junction, AZ. Being a raffle, I won't do any grip replacement. I'll leave that to the lucky winner if that's their desire.

 

[glenwolde]

It will be a local raffle that will start in November and go through April, which covers our normal event season. There will also be a well used Ruger Blackhawk with a Mexican made gunfighter rig in a separate raffle running at the same time. I figure 250 tickets each at $5.00 a ticket would be easily attainable. All funds will go to support the Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache Junction, AZ. Being a raffle, I won't do any grip replacement. I'll leave that to the lucky winner if that's their desire.

Amen. If they get the gun for beer money they can buy the dang grips.

 

[Green Frog]

I just found this thread, and watched as it ended up going to exactly where I would have put it myself, ie - make up 250 tickets for each gun, pricing them at a cheap $5.00 each (“beer money”) and put a definite, rather short run time on the raffle, publicizing the limited number of tickets and the fixed closing date. In a public service setting like a museum, it should be a very successful event!
Froggie
PS f you would be willing to arrange shipping and transfer out of state (at winner’s expense) you could probably sell a bunch of tickets right here... in fact I’ll happily sign up for one of each!

 

[glowe]

You are really underestimating the cash potential of a raffle with a $1000 collector S&W gun on it! Easy $10 or 3 for $20 sell. I would also consider 500 tickets. So what if you only sell 350, you still earn an easy $3000 with a maybe $150 set of Magnas added as the only cost. Since it is for the museum, go to the WTB and ask for a free set of Magnas and I bet you will find them. Throw the Franzite grips in as well. Add a couple of back room items that the museum does not want for 2nd & 3rd place and it will be a sell-out.

. . . and don't forget to advertise tickets here on the Forum! That gun was manufactured in 1950 and would be a very attractive piece for anyone to own. What is the name of the museum?