Need help with research on K-22s for upcoming auction

[HWayne]

There are two K-22 Masterpiece 6" revolvers up for auction in July. IF the condition of each is comparable, which serial number is more desirable? 674266 OR K17642? What does the 'K' indicate? Is the 5 digit number preceded by the K a much earlier gun? Auction descriptions do not indicate 5/4/3 screw or type grips etc - but both guns show some wear, but the 'K' gun has a 10-groove barrel rib. I do not have pictures and I will not be able to inspect the revolvers until the day of the auction. Any input on what to look for and what to bid is welcome. I am looking for a decent condition 'shooter' to go with the circa '53 K-38 that I bought last month. TIA

 

[crsides]

674266 should be a first model K22 Outdoorsman. All things equal, it will be more valuable.


Charlie

 

[HWayne]

I just noticed there is also a Mod 17 K-22 #K241505 also up for auction - similar condition and it includes a leather holster. Thanx for input.

 

[murphydog]

The K indicates a post-war target sighted revolver, and the 17642 puts it as a 1948 shipped gun (probably, since the factory never shipped in numerical order). Both guns would be 5-screw frames.

If you click on Search near the top of the home page, then type K-22 Outdoorsman and early K-22 Masterpiece into Search site/Google, you should find plenty of threads with photos of original guns. Please let us know how the auctions turn out! Hope this is helpful.

 

[murphydog]

I just noticed there is also a Mod 17 K-22 #K241505 also up for auction - similar condition and it includes a leather holster. Thanx for input.

This one is similar but not exactly like the earlier K prefix gun. It should be too early to be stamped MOD 17, but see above how "not shipping in numerical order" might apply here also...

 

[beagleye]

Good luck. The grips on the outdoorsman are not original but it's probably still worth the most. The early masterpiece is a one liner so it's the more unusual of the 2 post war guns but the stocks and the trigger look unoriginal so I might skip it. Also the stocks on the later postwar are rare and sweet (non-relieved targets) so that's getting my vote, and the condition looks good on that one. Of course the in person inspection will tell the most. Try to avoid refinished guns. See if they'll let you take the grips off, bring a small standard screwdriver, check for rust under the grips and rework dates and stars.

 

[Hondo44]

There are two K-22 Masterpiece 6" revolvers up for auction in July. IF the condition of each is comparable, which serial number is more desirable? 674266 OR K17642? What does the 'K' indicate? Is the 5 digit number preceded by the K a much earlier gun? Auction descriptions do not indicate 5/4/3 screw or type grips etc - but both guns show some wear, but the 'K' gun has a 10-groove barrel rib. I do not have pictures and I will not be able to inspect the revolvers until the day of the auction. Any input on what to look for and what to bid is welcome. I am looking for a decent condition 'shooter' to go with the circa '53 K-38 that I bought last month. TIA

The K also means it's a K frame, a mid-size. # 674266, also a K frame, is a pre war (WW II) model with the long hammer throw and absent the post war sliding hammer block safety. It's a 5 screw as are all pre war guns with some very early exceptions.

I will always opt for the earlier gun all else being equal, and it will have the better potential for appreciation in value. Obtaining correct vintage stocks however, will add to the cost.