David - is there a known serial number range for the K-38 LERK's. I am missing the k-38 to complete the trio!
Masterpiece Lerk Trio - Complete!
- Thread starter Pre-29Smith
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David - is there a known serial number range for the K-38 LERK's. I am missing the k-38 to complete the trio!
The LERK K-38s known to me are K4563, K4564, K4593, K4709 and K23280. Until that last one turned up, I had suspected that all LERK K-38s would be found with serial numbers below K5000 and almost all between K4500 and K4850; we know from records that the first production order for K-38 Masterpieces was for 350 units, but we don't know their serial numbers. K4500-K4850 is just a guess on my part. Not all of these guns will be LERK specimens. Some K-38s are known from this range that have knobless ejector rods.
There are possibly some salesman samples in existence with SNs below K2500, and they may be LERK guns. There may be a few other LERK guns in the K22xxx or K23xxx range that exist only because a few more prewar parts were found in storage.
It sounds like a big jump between K4500 and K22xxx, but it's not. K-38s in the higher range were being shipped only a couple of months after the known K+four digit guns were released into the wild.
There are possibly some salesman samples in existence with SNs below K2500, and they may be LERK guns. There may be a few other LERK guns in the K22xxx or K23xxx range that exist only because a few more prewar parts were found in storage.
It sounds like a big jump between K4500 and K22xxx, but it's not. K-38s in the higher range were being shipped only a couple of months after the known K+four digit guns were released into the wild.
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This stuff is like a never ending puzzle with no definitive lines/borders. It's my understanding that the "LERK" it's self was a prewar part, and the transition from the 1 line address to the 4 line address took place early to mid 1948. Correct?
Think that's why I enjoy these revolvers so much......you never know what's going to pop up.
Bob
Think that's why I enjoy these revolvers so much......you never know what's going to pop up.
Bob
David - Thanks. I have K-38 K23338 (June 1948) but, alas, it is a non-LERK. It is my lowest numbered K-38.
jonny13sb
Member
Out-freaking-standing!
50 target
Member
I would agree about the time frame on another threesome showing up. That K32 has got to be a real tough one to dig out of the woodwork. Like some others here I am 2/3 there. Not even trying to put the K32 together. I don't have the time. If I can I would like to add my K-38 to the known group. It is K4562 which is among the pack. The K-22 is a low 4 digit number. That is one of the more interesting ensembles that I've seen on the forum and you have every right to show them off. About the only thing more interesting than that, outside of a gun with provenance, would be having different models in the same frame size with sequential serial numbers. That might make an interesting show and tell series Thanks for sharing those gorgeous ladies with us..
Thanks for mentioning K4562, but I need to ask for clarification. I have that one recorded as a knobless example rather than a LERK specimen based on post no. 17 in this thread:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...ransitional-model-k-22-dedication-thread.html
I'm hoping it really is a LERK K-38 because I'd like to think more of them exist than I have recently believed. There's no doubt it is one of the earliest Pre-14s we know about.
Even though the barrel shaped ejector rod knob is smaller than the mushroom style knob, it got the term "large". For the life of me, I do not know why it stuck, given it is only a medium sized knob when compared to its predecessor??
50 target
Member
David, I will dig it out of the safe in a little bit and confirm. Heck at my age the only reason I carry a DL is so at the end of the day I'll know who I am and where I live. LOL
Bob
Very, very nice.
50 target
Member
David, I put eyes on it and it is as described in my reply of 2009 mentioned in your post earlier. It is a NON LERK model. Soooo.... I'm just 1/3 of the way there. Oh well. I appreciate you keeping me honest. Going from memory is not good for me. Funny how they used one style on mine and then went a different style on the ones right behind it. Heck, that's what keeps this game so interesting. Thanks again. If anybody knows my wife, don't tell her I was wrong. I'd be doomed. LOL
My first love!
I've always loved the looks of that hammer style. When I first wanted to get into S&W collecting I read Jinks book and was out to get that Masterpiece series. In the mid 70's that .32 was already near impossible. When they came out with the full under lug series , I thought , hey I've got another chance! But , I dragged my feet too long and missed that one too. I have many other nice S&W's but , you never forget your first wish. Beautiful collection. Very nice!
I've always loved the looks of that hammer style. When I first wanted to get into S&W collecting I read Jinks book and was out to get that Masterpiece series. In the mid 70's that .32 was already near impossible. When they came out with the full under lug series , I thought , hey I've got another chance! But , I dragged my feet too long and missed that one too. I have many other nice S&W's but , you never forget your first wish. Beautiful collection. Very nice!
Now that's a serious hat trick--congrats. And--BTW--that's L(arge) E(xtractor) R(od) K(nob).
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Ed Fowler
Member
Congratulations and thanks for sharing!
CptCurl
Member
Pre29Smith, you have set the bar at a very high notch.
As we gaze upon these heights we can only wish, envy, drool, and in very shallow sentences pretend that we don't hate your guts and liver!
You must realize that all of these fawning "friends" who have posted above are actually reading the obituary column every day waiting for your demise so that they might be the first to console your widow in her sorrow.
I could be like them and offer congratulations. However, being the genuine person that I am, let me say I feel your isolation and loneliness. You have chosen the path nobody else can walk. Robert Hunter wisely wrote:
The Annotated "Ripple"
Seriously, CONGRATULATIONS!
Curl
As we gaze upon these heights we can only wish, envy, drool, and in very shallow sentences pretend that we don't hate your guts and liver!
You must realize that all of these fawning "friends" who have posted above are actually reading the obituary column every day waiting for your demise so that they might be the first to console your widow in her sorrow.
I could be like them and offer congratulations. However, being the genuine person that I am, let me say I feel your isolation and loneliness. You have chosen the path nobody else can walk. Robert Hunter wisely wrote:
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
But if you fall you fall alone
The Annotated "Ripple"
Seriously, CONGRATULATIONS!
Curl
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Is the special order front sight a common feature? Noted on Box Label.
No not common - they usually came with a Patridge front sight. May be worth a letter for that one.
firearmsunlimited
Member
Morgan,
You've taken collecting the trinity to a whole new level. Congratulation on your very difficult accomplishment.
You've taken collecting the trinity to a whole new level. Congratulation on your very difficult accomplishment.
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