Pre-15 K38 Combat Masterpiece

[19leben]

I am looking to possibly purchase a nickel Combat Masterpiece SN K 248399. Blue sights, color case hammer and trigger. "N" stamped on left side grip frame. I am looking for opinions and help on value.......
Pics:

 

[P&R Fan]

Catalog dates it to 1955.
If it is all original I'd say it's worth at least $500.
I have one that is blued that is about a year newer. it is one of the best shooting K-Frames I have.
I paid $200 for it about 17 years ago.
Jim

 

[19leben]

You know we had the grips off so I could locate the N, and forgot to check the grips to see if SN matched. They were still doing that in 1955 I presume?

 

[22hipower]

Yes, stocks should be numbered. $500 might be a bit optimistic for a seller; where I shop I'd expect to buy a well used pre-15 in the $400 range. Bought a blue one in 95ish % condition with stocks numbered to the gun for $450 last year. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[poordevil]

I sold a nickeled one made in 1956 about 4-5 years ago in its gold box for $1000.00 It was in really good shape and no scratches on it though.

Prices are thru roof on nice S&W's now a days. About 4 months ago at a gunshow a fellow had a Model 15, not pre. and was would not budge off of $650.00. I had to let him keep it, but I think if I see one at that price again, I might go for it.
Every day there is less of them

 

[DWalt]

One of my real regrets that about a year ago, I passed on a 95+% CM (blued) from the early 1950s, in box, for $550. He wanted cash and i didn't have it.

 

[19leben]

This nickel CM is available for $450. I had them pull it off the shelf and hold it for me. I'll pick it up maybe this weekend.
Thanks for all the replies.
When I have it home I'll clean it up and post more pictures.

 

[bedbugbilly]

I have a blued one - K248663 which puts it pretty close to yours!

I bought mine two years ago - no box, no papers and grips weren't original. I paid $325.00 (if I remember correctly) - it's about 90 - 95%. A great shooter! I was very happy to get it and felt it was priced a little cheaper than it should have been. I went in to buy a 1952 is 5" M & P - same year that I was born. I spotted the CM and both the 5" M & P and the CM came home with me.

 

[Engine49guy]

Nickel Pre 15's are not very common but in that condition we are talking about a shooter grade gun so the nickel finish adds no value IMO.

$450 is not an outrageous asking price but shooter grade 15's can be found for les if your looking for a shooter.

If your looking for something collectable I would keep looking for something in higher condition.

 

[19leben]

I'm not a collector in the strictest sense. I do like to shoot my guns. However, I don't often see a lot of older Smiths around my city so I can't afford to pass them up when they're priced somewhat reasonably.

 

[Buford57]

Guess I shouldn't have laughed so hard at a blued CM with a faint turn line and immaculate magnas in gold box for $650 today? First the Ns, now the Ks.

 

[poordevil]

In looking at the pictures of the CM again I see some flecking of the nickel at the muzzle. And maybe even a little rust around the sight. In thinking it over again, I would say $450.00 might be a tad high. If the nickel finish is not perfect, or at lest not missing in places I think the value drops quite a bit. JMO

P

 

[Engine49guy]

The problem with a nickel finish having spots that are a little worn off, rusted through or flaking is like saying my GF is jus a little bit pregnant...

It either is or it isn't...IMO

 

[19leben]

No flaking or rust that I could see. Like I said it needs a good cleaning.

 

[CajunBass]

Looks sort of rough to me, especially the stocks.

I'd expect to see it tagged about $475-500 range, and sell for $400-450.

If I was to buy it, I'd take some Flitz and an old T-shirt to it and polish it up a bit. I might try to clean those stocks, probably with Murphy's oil soap and a soft toothbrush. You haven't got much to lose really.

 

[DWalt]

Jusy buy it. You won't get hurt.

 

[samandglove1]

I think you did fine on it. It will clean up well with some Flitz and be an attractive range gun that any of us would be proud to own.

 

[MtCamper]

I'd buy that in the $400 range all day long. Wouldn't find any at the LGS for less that $600 in this neck of the woods. $450 is a great price.

 

[SDH]

My favorite shooter...

 

[jsfricks]

I paid a whole lot more for mine about a year ago from David Carroll. But it letters to have shipped to the General himself at Quantico, VA and is one of the very early ones. But I have no regrets. Prices keep climbing.