Pre Model 18 K22 Combat Masterpiece with box...

[retiredbadge8091]

At the gun show yesterday I saw a nice Pre 18 K22 Combat Masterpiece with Magna stocks, a standard trigger and target hammer. It was being displayed with a blue box with grayish silver graphics and blue metal corners. The thing that caught my eye was the end label which was white with two blue lines at the top and the same two lines at the bottom. Printed on the label was the description of the gun including "target hammer." This was a printed label that at the time must have required the printer to set up the press for every factory variation.

I guess my question is twofold, first the gun was in great shape but didn't appear to me to be NIB and secondly, is the box and label real? I didn't see a serial number on the box ends and didn't get to handle the gun or box because the seller was busy and at the selling price of $1,400.00 I knew I wasn't a buyer. Should I have been?

 

[murphydog]

The box may be correct for the gun. The label does not sound to be; depending on its exact vintage, it probably would have had a printed end label with Smith & Wesson/.22 Combat Masterpiece/Target Hammer (possibly, or it may have been written or with an extra sticker on the main label). $1400 is probably $500 too high as you describe the gun.

 

[DWalt]

"...I knew I wasn't a buyer. Should I have been?"
From the information in your posting, I'd say no.

 

[escopeta 2]

Too high. I recently bought one in 95%+ condition no box for $700. Also got a very early 1947 K22 for same price in 97%+ no box. Love em, but the newer on shoots better.

 

[retiredbadge8091]

I'm in agreement on the price being too high. I'd love to think I could get anywhere near that for my 18-4 even though it will never be for sale while it's mine.

 

[sodacan]

I recently bought a 1953 vintage pre-model 18 in really nice condition with all matching numbers for $700. It did not have the box, tools or papers, but I was satisfied with the price. The prices on these are all over the place. On gunbroker, the sellers asking $1400 plus get no action. Even later versions have silly reserves and starting prices. They are great revolvers, and you'll enjoy it when get one. I had been looking for a couple of years, and the hunt was half the fun. Good luck.

 

[ken158]

Buy only if that was a 2 for 1 price special...

 

[gmborkovic]

That was definitely a "look" and dont buy price. Keep on walking.

 

[usm1rifle]

$4-500 too high depending on the included accessories and if it had nox-rust paper.

 

[Frank237]

Prices are surely Regional....I can't even recall a pre 18, high percentage condition in the $700 range. Those are a grand or more here in MT. Plus they are rarely seen.

 

[usm1rifle]

Prices are surely Regional....I can't even recall a pre 18, high percentage condition in the $700 range. Those are a grand or more here in MT. Plus they are rarely seen.

$1400 minus $4-500 = $900-1000

I bought a 98% for $700 here ten months ago... Yep, lucky.

 

[jsfricks]

I bought this Pre 18 from David Carroll about 2 years ago. I paid a good bit for it but in 99% condition and its original box, I can live with it.