Value advice on a possibly unfired 3 digit K-22 Masterpiece

[sethconnor]

I have a 3 digit serial number postwar k-22 masterpiece that is in its original serial numbered gold box with tools and original paperwork. Guns original matte blue finish is almost like new with with just a hint of edge wear at muzzle...gunsmith said it looks to be unfired or fired only a few times. Screwdriver and cleaning rod look brand new and helpful hints is dated 4-42. Box shows some shelf wear with faint matching serial number on bottom. Serial number is K 86X. Streaks on finish is just oil.

Only, comparable sale that I have seen is that last fall a shiny finished factory reblued unboxed K22 3 digit went for almost 3 thousand dollars on Gunbroker which I thought was way too high.

Any thoughts from the experts on value would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you, Patrick S.

 

[murphydog]

Depending on how it would be offered for sale (local/online, sale/auction) I would think at least $1500, and probably much more in a bidding war. It is an early K-22 variation and having the complete package is even rarer.

 

[sethconnor]

thanks!

Thanks Alan for the prompt reply...some of those auctions go crazy and I'm just trying to get a realistic value in mind

 

[MP1518]

I have a 3 digit serial number postwar k-22 masterpiece that is in its original serial numbered gold box with tools and original paperwork. Guns original matte blue finish is almost like new with with just a hint of edge wear at muzzle...gunsmith said it looks to be unfired or fired only a few times. Screwdriver and cleaning rod look brand new and helpful hints is dated 4-42. Box shows some shelf wear with faint matching serial number on bottom. Serial number is K 86X

Only, comparable sale that I have seen is that last fall a shiny finished factory reblued unboxed K22 3 digit went for almost 3 thousand dollars on Gunbroker which I thought was way too high.

Any thoughts from the experts on value would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you, Patrick S.

Nice gun .

IMHO its an auction item.

 

[sethconnor]

Thanks for the reply

Thanks...just tough to find comparable on the net

 

[tlay]

If it is truly unfired, in the original box with tools, numbered to the gun grips, I would give it a $2000 value.
I base this on a 3 digit, one line, lerk.

 

[jsfricks]

I'm with Tom, with everything you have there and high condition, $2000+ on Gunbrokers. There's a LERK like yours on auction now, keep an eye on it and see what it does. If the serial was under 200 then maybe $2500.

 

[sethconnor]

Thanks for the reply

Is there any solid way to determine "unfired" condition with certainty...forcing cone looks to be blued and clean like the rest of the gun? Thanks so much!

 

[jsfricks]

Well, the factory fired it 3 times, in every other charge hole. Looking at the extractor rod it appears to have been fired some due to the wear there unless someone play with it a lot. I wouldn't worry about unfired condition, that one will speak for itself as is.

 

[sethconnor]

I'm with Tom, with everything you have there and high condition, $2000+ on Gunbrokers. There's a LERK like yours on auction now, keep an eye on it and see what it does. If the serial was under 200 then maybe $2500.

thanks!...is auction for LERK on gun broker?

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice 3 digit post war K22 !

IIRC we saw a similar package sell just above $2000 within the last 2 years but they do not pop up for sale very often in high condition with box,docs n tools so perhaps it might reach + or - $3000 today .

Two side notes are that besides having 3 digits in the serial the 3 digit LERK is no different than the 4 digit serial LERK that ran up to the (K-5000 ish) range.

The first change made was the deletion of the ejecctor rod barrel end (LERK) changing to a straight rod with knurled end with one line MADE IN USA, the change to a 4 line address came shortly afterwards.

While there is no such thing as an "Unfired S&W" (all were test fired in the factory), IMO pictures of the recoil shield are the best way to establish how much a S&W was fired outside the factory as a gun with ejector rod wear and muzzle wear IMO suggests being fired outside the factory so again good clear detailed pics including the recoil shield should be included if posted for sale.

 

[1blindref]

I'd say your gun in worth in the $2,000 to $2,400 ballpark, maybe a even little more to a motivated buyer. Having the original box, docs, and SAT really adds to the package.

 

[jsfricks]

thanks!...is auction for LERK on gun broker?

Yes, but we're not allowed to post links to live auction. Just search for LERK.

 

[sethconnor]

Very nice 3 digit post war K22 !

IIRC we saw a similar package sell just above $2000 within the last 2 years but they do not pop up for sale very often in high condition with box,docs n tools so perhaps it might reach + or - $3000 today .

Two side notes are that besides having 3 digits in the serial the 3 digit LERK is no different than the 4 digit serial LERK that ran up to the (K-5000 ish) range.

The first change made was the deletion of the ejecctor rod barrel end (LERK) changing to a straight rod with knurled end with one line MADE IN USA, the change to a 4 line address came shortly afterwards.

While there is no such thing as an "Unfired S&W" (all were test fired in the factory), IMO pictures of the recoil shield are the best way to establish how much a S&W was fired outside the factory as a gun with ejector rod wear and muzzle wear IMO suggests being fired outside the factory so again good clear detailed pics including the recoil shield should be included if posted for sale.

I very much appreciate the great information! Thank you, Patrick S

 

[sethconnor]

I'd say your gun in worth in the $2,000 to $2,400 ballpark, maybe a even little more to a motivated buyer. Having the original box, docs, and SAT really adds to the package.

Thanks Rick! I very much appreciate your assessment.

 

[jackvs1]

Let us know what you are doing? It would be nice to watch your beautiful K22 sell on GB. I'll even buy the popcorn. Good luck.

 

[JP@AK]

Guys
This thread brings up a question I have wondering about for a while. The OP's cleaning rod appears to have an oxide finish, rather than the later aluminum (silver) rod. Does anyone know when and for how long this style was being shipped. And on which models?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[sethconnor]

Let us know what you are doing? It would be nice to watch your beautiful K22 sell on GB. I'll even buy the popcorn. Good luck.

Thanks! Just wanted to get an idea of approximate value from the experts on the forum...if I decide to ever part with it, I will let everyone know. Any handling wear is probably from me taking it out of the safe and just oiling and fiddling with it over the years!

 

[sethconnor]

Guys
This thread brings up a question I have wondering about for a while. The OP's cleaning rod appears to have an oxide finish, rather than the later aluminum (silver) rod. Does anyone know when and for how long this style was being shipped. And on which models?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Hi Jack,

The finish on the cleaning rod is almost identical to the matte bluing on the gun rather than the oxide blade on nickel screwdriver if that helps. My 1952 pre 18 k22 combat has the aluminum cleaning rod and totally black oxide handle and blade screwdriver but I assume the aluminum rod came with late 1940s k-22s too.


Thanks, Patrick S.

 

[JP@AK]

The finish on the cleaning rod is almost identical to the matte bluing on the gun rather than the oxide blade on nickel screwdriver if that helps. My 1952 pre 18 k22 combat has the aluminum cleaning rod and totally black oxide handle and blade screwdriver but I assume the aluminum rod came with late 1940s k-22s too.

Patrick
I appreciate the reply. I'm not sure what the finish actually is. I know the "black" SAT was finished with an oxide process, so I was guessing the rod was too. Whatever it is, it is different than the silver type.
I have two reasons for asking:
1. Simple curiosity, and wanting to know as much about S&W practices as possible; and
2. Because I have a 5" .38 M&P from March, 1946. It has the maroon box and the correct Helpful Hints, but no cleaning tools. I'm trying to determine what tools I should be looking for to complete the set. Since it is a fixed sight gun, I know I don't need a SAT. But which rod??? That's my dilemma.