I thought I had a model 14 with target hammer, trigger and stocks. It has a 4 stamped on the crane frame. I thought maybe a weak 1 was there, but it isn't. Serial number on the grip frame is K3119xx. I can't find the box right now, but I think I have it. Any thoughts on birth year?
Thought I had a model 14 but ....
- Thread starter 500hunter
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What's the barrel length. I know the experts are going to need that.
Serial numbers in the K311000 range were shipping in early 1958. Model numbers didn't show up until later that year. The earliest model-marked Model 14 that I know of is K314496. That one was a special order, and it shipped on July 28, 1958. The next lowest number on a K-38 Masterpiece marked as a Model 14 that I'm aware of is K339292. That one shipped on November 17, 1958. On the other hand, K321291 is a K-38 Masterpiece that does not have a model number.
Your revolver is either a K-38 Masterpiece (6" barrel) or a .38 Combat Masterpiece (4" barrel). In either case it doesn't have a model number and the likely ship year is either 1958 or later. the K-38 Masterpiece and the .38 Combat Masterpiece were serialized in the same K prefix sequence, along with all the other K target units.
OP
6 " with what I believe are rosewood grips that are not numbered to the gun.
K 38 Masterpiece, it would have either a gold box or a blue box, without a model number.
The transition to blue boxes occurred around the time the 5th screw went away. And by 1957-'58, most of the Masterpiece models were probably being shipped in blue boxes. The K-32s were the exception to that rule. K-32s were slow movers and are known to have shipped in gold boxes until at least the early 60s. S&W eventually threw away a fair quantity of gold K-32 boxes at some point in time because they didn't make enough K-32s to fill them. Several of those in as new condition ended up selling on ebay 20 or so years ago.
OP
Thanks to everyone for the information. I'll look for the box and send some pics. I'm interested in knowing about the stocks.
The vast majority of the K-38s and Model 14 K-38s shipped with Magna stocks. Target stocks were an extra cost option. Only a letter can tell you if your particular unit shipped with target stocks.
Target stocks are seldom stamped with the serial number because they didn't need fitting to the grip frame.
The 4 stamped in the yoke cut out of the frame is an inspector code number.
The 3 to 5 digit number in the yoke cut out and on the yoke is a work/assembly factory number matching the number on the inside of the side plate.
The 4 stamped in the yoke cut out of the frame is an inspector code number.
The 3 to 5 digit number in the yoke cut out and on the yoke is a work/assembly factory number matching the number on the inside of the side plate.
OP
The 17 no dash (top) matches to the box. It's been a while, like almost 50 years, but I thought my father-in-law said they were rosewood grips. The 17 looks like walnut, but the pre model K38 Masterpiece, bottom, looks much darker. So, is it just darker from more years of oil and use, or is it rosewood? I'm sure some of you that have seen everything have an answer for me.
Definitely rosewood stocks on the K-38, and walnut on the K-22. Rosewood is easily identified by the open pores in the wood. And the 'TS' on the bottom of the box indicates that the gun shipped with target stocks, as well as with the target hammer (TH) and target trigger (TT).
OP
The serial number on the 17 is K4109xx. I think that is 1960. How close am I?
The serial number falls into the 1957 range and about just before serial numbers were assigned. At my local store they have a 14-3 for $700-750 as a reference for pricing.
Both sets of stocks were modified, which hurts the value. The K22 was originally non-relieved target, the K38, probably non-relieved too. The k38 had lot of wood removed and a reshaped shoulder.
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