Keepsake 38 Special

[TimRucker]

I have a keepsake 38 special double action revolver that my dad bought from someone back in the fifties. Not sure of particulars, age, or value. Can anyone help me to tell this old gun's story?.
Side of 6" barrel: 38 S&W SPECIAL CTG
Side of Body: MADE IN USA
MARCUS REGISTRADAS
SMITH & WESSON
SPRINGFIELD, MASS
Butt of handle: K 138860

 

[TimRucker]

I have a keepsake 38 special double action revolver that my dad bought from someone back in the fifties. Not sure of particulars, age, or value. Can anyone help me to tell this old gun's story?.
Side of 6" barrel: 38 S&W SPECIAL CTG
Side of Body: MADE IN USA
MARCUS REGISTRADAS
SMITH & WESSON
SPRINGFIELD, MASS
Butt of handle: K 138860

 

[Sonny Crocket]

Looks like 1952 and maybe a pre-model 14 or 15. Any pics?

 

[Guest]

Sounds like a K38 Masterpiece, does it look like this?

 

[jeremyws1]

I'll take a shot...

K-38 Masterpiece (Pre-Model 14)
5 Screw Frame

For reference, K135xxx was shipped 4/1952, and K171xxx was shipped 1/1954.

Note: S&W did not ship in strict serial number order.

 

[TimRucker]

Smithnut,
Your picture is of the exact same version as mine, except mine has lost some bluing from years of being carried as a sidearm in a leather holster. Mine has probably had 100 rounds through it, doubtful if more.
So tell me about my "K38 Masterpiece".

 

[jeremyws1]

For more history, a "Letter of Authenticity" would be $30 well spent.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/C...5301&sectionId=10504

 

[Guest]

So tell me about my "K38 Masterpiece".

OK - It's a K38 Masterpiece....!

Seriously, these are classic target guns, about as good as it gets. This model was made from early post-war (1947ish) to the 2000 timeframe, in various configurations. In 1957 (or so), this model also became known as the Model 14. Normally seen in longer barrels (6" and 8 3/8"). the Masterpiece was also made in special order barrel lengths of 4".
There is a sister model, the Combat Masterpiece, the gun that became the Model 15, which was originally made in 2" and 4" tapered barrel versions. After the early 80's the factory discontinued the Mod 14 for awhile and merged all the barrel lengths into the Mod 15 line, somewhat confusing the distinction between the two.

The early Masterpiece guns like yours are fantastic shooters, but besides all that it was your Dad's gun, so it's priceless.....

As a self-affirmed Masterpiece/M14 fancier, I've been known to have a weakness for these, like potato chips - you can't just have one!

 

[Andy Taylor]

K38's truely are a "Masterpiece".
That one is definatly a keeper.

 

[Speedo2]

Just to add a little bit: K38's were "mirrored" (not sure if that's the best adjective), or matched in configuration with 22 LR and 32 S&W Long caliber models; AKA K22's and K32's. I believe that the designation "Masterpiece" was first applied to the K22 series 2nd models(pre-WW2), and just sort of carried over to all 3 caliber matched models after the war. Also, I believe the intent of the K22 was for low cost practice for the competitive (IPC?) center fire K38 match guns. Back in the early 50's they were about the most competitive revolvers around. Don't exactly know what S&W intended for the K32's at that time; they weren't very popular then, but are extremely hard to find and quite pricey now. K22's and K38's abound and are getting a bit costly, but are not yet too unreasonable. -S2