Model 16 Masterpiece
- Thread starter 4K2022
- Start date
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OP
If that serial number is K466280 (that's what it looks like to me), then it probably left the factory in 1962. I can't tell from your pictures if there is a screw in the front of the trigger guard. A Model 16 should have one. On the other hand, this still has the right-hand threads on the extractor, so presumably it is a Model 16, not a 16-2.
Alk8944
US Veteran
Jack, I cannot see the 5th screw either, but I read the number written in the box as K366259. The third photo showing the cylinder open and the marking in the yoke cut shows clearly the gun is marked Model 16. This makes it at least a 1958 gun. If OP had shown the inside of the box top the normal text printed there is probably dated 1955 as the date the text was adopted. You are probably correct with the 1962 date.
4K2022, Is the 1955 date you said is "in the box" printed inside the box lid??
4K2022, Is the 1955 date you said is "in the box" printed inside the box lid??
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OP
K 366289
Box ,, white matching serial number on bottom
Yes the 1955 is printed in the box bottom.
No papers.
Box ,, white matching serial number on bottom
Yes the 1955 is printed in the box bottom.
No papers.
OP
OP
Not a Dash ,, to be seen.
Well, K366289 makes a lot more sense. That makes shipment likely in 1959.
In my database, I find K366761, a Model 14 K-38 Masterpiece. It shipped in June 1959.
K366289 is consistent with a Model 16. Note: I never doubted this was a Model 16 (the rod threads confirmed that). I just could not see the fourth screw. It would not have been surprising to see a Model 16 that shipped as late as 1962. Sales were not swift. But a 1962 serial number would have been a bit surprising. Now that has been cleared up.
The box is interesting, however. Clearly it is in the right time frame, since it has the warrantee and liability statements dated April 1955. But it has the "Heavy Masterpiece" paste-on label. This is not the first time I've seen one of these used that late. I own a Model 14 from July 1959, that also has the "Heavy Masterpiece" label and no "Model 14" appearing on the box. S&W used up out-of-date boxes and labels, consistent with their "never throw anything away" practice.
In my database, I find K366761, a Model 14 K-38 Masterpiece. It shipped in June 1959.
K366289 is consistent with a Model 16. Note: I never doubted this was a Model 16 (the rod threads confirmed that). I just could not see the fourth screw. It would not have been surprising to see a Model 16 that shipped as late as 1962. Sales were not swift. But a 1962 serial number would have been a bit surprising. Now that has been cleared up.
The box is interesting, however. Clearly it is in the right time frame, since it has the warrantee and liability statements dated April 1955. But it has the "Heavy Masterpiece" paste-on label. This is not the first time I've seen one of these used that late. I own a Model 14 from July 1959, that also has the "Heavy Masterpiece" label and no "Model 14" appearing on the box. S&W used up out-of-date boxes and labels, consistent with their "never throw anything away" practice.
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My 16, K406739 was shipped Jan, 1961. Who wanted a 32 long back then?
I was lucky and picked up a 16-2 a few yrs ago. I love 32's
Target shooters, back when the three handguns were a .22, a .32 or larger and a .45.
Financial planners?
OP
Model 16 Forum Information
I've been Obsessing! I hope that is understood "around here.
One of your previous posts in a different thread,,, You mentioned paying?? $53.00 dollars for your First one?
And ANOTHER converted to 32-20 !!
My rabbit hole is history of the S&W 32 caliber Cartridge. I find it fascinating.
And the Model 1896 I frame S&W 32 Long
And the Winchester Model K frames.
Thank you for your previous posts.
A S&W Model 1 1/2 .32 rimfire at one end of the spectrum and a Model 16 on the other.
OP
Do I see a target trigger?
K 366xxx trigger is grooved but not FAT.
Apparently, the K32 Target/Masterpiece did not sell very well post WW II. If people were buying them S&W would have produced more than the ~3630 that came out of the factory through 1974. Now they are highly valued collector guns due mostly to scarcity.
I became obsessed with the hunt and now have the 16 ND, a 5 screw "pre" 16 and a 32 M&P, not to mention a few I and Improved I fames.
I became obsessed with the hunt and now have the 16 ND, a 5 screw "pre" 16 and a 32 M&P, not to mention a few I and Improved I fames.
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Sebago Son
Member
This is a pre-ww1 .32 Long M&P from my collection. It's a travesty I know, but it's not been lettered by me.
That is very nice, Sebago Son. There were not many of those made and fewer yet still around, especially in top condition.
Here is a post-World War II example of the same configuration - a .32 M&P, shipped on April 21, 1948. I was very happy to acquire this one a few years ago. It is all original.
Obe
Member
For those keeping score, a Model 16-2 (K-5276XX) is known, and factory letters to 11-22-63 (yes, that infamous day). It is in a correctly numbered S&W gold factory box thought to be original to that K-32 (likely that factory never wasted packaging and never threw anything away thing?).
That is a very nice 32 m&p...
Major 2
Member
WOW ! that would be IT the grail gun... my birth year and two dayd after my BD !
