Model 15 born date help. Pic added

[Shawn L]

Hey guys I scored a model 15 nickel what info can you give me on the serial #311xxx.

Thanks guys and I need to pick up that book.

 

[Bruce51]

????

Shawn Your serial No. should have a K prefix. Look on the bottom of the grip frame and repost. Is the gun model marked #15?
Need more info to help you out.

Bruce

 

[Shawn L]

Bruce Lee I'm doing the transfer tomorrow and he just gave me the numbers. Maybe K is in front of those numbers.

 

[Bruce51]

OK

Assuming it has a K prefix your model 15 was made in 1957 the first year guns were model marked.

If you get more info when you pick up the gun then we can recheck the dob.

Bruce

 

[Shawn L]

Ok I got to see it in person today and the Serial # K 311xxx. There are no M15 markings on the revolver anywhere. The nickel plating need refinishing due to holstering.

Here a crappy cell phone picture. I'll be picking this baby up in 10 days.

 

[Bruce51]

Then it is still a 1957 gun. They started to model mark in 1957. Yours made it out the door before they started. Nice find. Enjoy after that long ten day wait.
Bruce

 

[Shawn L]

So then what do I call it? Model 15, Combat Masterpiece...

 

[Bruce51]

So then what do I call it? Model 15, Combat Masterpiece...

K-38 Combat Masterpiece

Bruce

 

[ajpelz]

K-38 Combat Masterpiece

Bruce

+1 or a pre-model 15.

 

[03Fatboy]

It's nice seeing folks from Cali on here.

 

[29aholic]

Welcome to the forum

Shawn
I have a nickel CM #K239004 that shipped 10/1955. When you get your gun please post some good pics of it. Factory nickel pre-15's are very scarce and valuable. It is hard to tell by your current pic, but the front sight should be blue and held in place by exposed pins.

Here is mine.

DO NOT refinish it!!!! The scarcity of these guns in a lot of cases negates the finish issues.

 

[Shawn L]

I finish is rough from being holstered. I will post way better pic's when I get it out of jail. The front post was also nickeled though, as well as the rear sight. I also think I remember see's exposed pins.

 

[kpm]

The model markings did not actually start until K34 or 35 something.
I know that goes against some of the common date wisdom, but it is true.
I have a K329XXX that is not marked and have seen them up to K347XXX.
Combat masterpiece would be the correct name.