Pre model # vs model #?

[BigBill]

What’s worth more a pre k38 model number 14 or a model 14?

What’s worth more a pre k38 model number 15 or a model 15?

A pre modell number vs a model number what’s more desirable?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Assuming all things are equal (i.e., condition, condition, condition), I prefer the .38 Masterpiece or .38 Combat Masterpiece to a Model 14 or 15.

I'm not a K-38 guy, but my thinking translates from the Chiefs I am interested in.

I'd always look at a .38 Chiefs Special ahead of a Model 36.

One guy's thoughts.

 

[Hondo44]

I agree with Bob above. Two guys' thoughts.

However, there's a couple of 1950 models that are rarer if stamped with the model # than the pre model. Those are worth more.

This is not the case for K38 pre model vs. Model 14 or 15 because of their vast numbers of both versions. So their worth is strictly based on preference for the earlier model as Bob posted; 5 screw guns and older features tend to be more in demand, therefore worth more.

 

[JP@AK]

Also, there are other factors to consider with the K target guns.

The following applies only to the K-38 Masterpiece, since the .38 Combat Masterpiece has a completely different sequence due to several factors, including when they were introduced and a fewer number of actual changes in the early days.

1. Narrow rib, tapered barrel examples are far less common than any of the straight barrel (Heavy Masterpiece) examples.
2. Examples with the barrel shaped extractor rod end are even more uncommon (actually pretty rare).
3. One-line address examples are more scarce than four line, but more common than those with the older style extractor rod (which are also one-liners).
4. Then you have screw count to consider: 5 screw from 1947 until 1956; then 4 screw from 1956 to 1958. Note: the earliest model marked guns didn't ship until 1958.

So you see, BigBill, the matter is much more complicated than your question implies.

As an aside, I'll add two more points:
1. The .38 Combat Masterpiece is not a "K-38" despite the fact it is commonly referred to that way. We finally got that piece of misinformation more or less eliminated from the Standard Catalog with the 4th Edition (there are still remnants of it in the small print text).
2. Neither of the referenced guns stopped being called by name when the model numbers were added by the management order of June, 1957. The .38 Combat Masterpiece became the Model 15 .38 Combat Masterpiece; and the K-38 Masterpiece became the Model 14 K-38 Masterpiece. And, as I mentioned above, neither of these newly numbered items became available for purchase until 1958.

 

[Art Doc]

I'm no expert but all factors being equal older will generally sell for more money.

 

[JP@AK]

My mistake

The .38 Combat Masterpiece is not a "K-38" despite the fact it is commonly referred to that way. We finally got that piece of misinformation more or less eliminated from the Standard Catalog with the 4th Edition (there are still remnants of it in the small print text).

Oops. I was in the SCSW 4th today and noticed that my memory had failed me.

What we got changed was the misnomer that called the K-38 Masterpiece the K-38 Target Masterpiece. That was simply incorrect and led lots of people to believe something that was never true.

On the other hand, the .38 Combat Masterpiece is still called the K-38 Combat Masterpiece in the 4th Edition (page 170). That is not. correct. Nor is the Model 15 a K-38 Combat Masterpiece Model 15 (page 212).

The All Model Circular, the box labels and S&W advertising all called that model the .38 Combat Masterpiece. In one odd anomaly, the instruction sheet that came with the Model 15 did call it that, but it was inconsistent with what the company called it everywhere else.

Someone else may have already done this, but I'll send Jim Supica a note so he has it on his radar for the 5th edition, whenever that comes down the pike.

Sorry for the misinformation in my previous post.

 

[BigBill]

I was just wondering which one is worth more?

I have a k38 pre 14 and a k38 pre 15 in excellent++ condition. Both were sold to me as little freckling which turned out to be dried red oil. The guns are mint.

I need to make a list on value.

 

[JP@AK]

I was just wondering which one is worth more?

I have a k38 pre 14 and a k38 pre 15 in excellent++ condition.

Hard to say, but probably both those items would sell for about the same amount, assuming equal condition. Both the K-38 Masterpiece and the .38 Combat Masterpiece are well-liked revolvers. If one is a five screw and the other a four screw, that would probably make a bit of difference in the price. Also, you have to take into consideration the variations I mentioned in Post #4 above, if they apply.

Why not post some pics showing both sides of both guns?