[MDWells]

I have no real illusions of this revolver being old, but I was hoping I may be able to get an idea without sending away to S&W for a letter (especially since they are not diong them right now).

It is in great condition, I have all the original papers, cleaning kit, and box. It really doesn't look as though it has ever been fired.

The serial number is AJL7555
It is a K-38 Comabt Masterpiece Revolver, Model No. 15


Any help would be appreciated.

[armoredman]

Wonderful inheritance. I inherited a Smith 10-8, so I know what it's like. Great new family heirloom.

[Old Fuff]

It was made during or around 1985. Be aware that in the condition you describe it has a higher collector's value then an ordinary shooter.

If 1985 is "older" the Old Fuff is in serious trouble... :D

[Jim Watson]

Yup.
23 years old and better than anything similar on the market today.
Kind of a pity that collectors and speculators will pay to not shoot them.

[Old Fuff]

Kind of a pity that collectors and speculators will pay to not shoot them.

In this case I wouldn't feel that way. There is no shortage of good "shooter grade" model 15 revolvers out there, and perhaps this one should be passed down through the family that owns it to future generations. In any case the owner should have a clear understanding that shooting the revolver would reduce it's value. At the present time the book value of this revolver in excellent condition is $400, where LNIB is only $50 more. However the LNIB can be expected to increase at a more accelerated pace over time. For example, a pre-model 15 (same gun manufactured between 1949 to 1957) the numbers are $375 and $525. Going back to the early days of the 20th century, a .38 Military & Police (1905 Hand Ejector/3rd. Change) the book value of an excellent revolver is $600 where LNIB is $1,500.

It is not my purpose to tell folks what they should or shouldn't do with guns they own, but rather to explain some things that they may have never thought of.

[Jim Watson]

Oh, I understand the speculative value of unfired guns, all right.
It just has no meaning to me. I'd rather have the NRA Excellent and the difference in money for bullets.

I think an advertisement of "LIKE new" is deceptive. It is either new unfired since factory proof or it is a used gun.

[Old Fuff]

I think an advertisement of "LIKE new" is deceptive. It is either new unfired since factory proof or it is a used gun.

In a technical sense if a firearm has been sold at retail it’s considered to be used, fired or not. Perhaps “LNIB/Unfired” would be a better term to use when it applies.

It just has no meaning to me. I'd rather have the NRA Excellent and the difference in money for bullets.

In most instances so would I, the exception being something that’s unusually scarce or rare and especially interesting to serious collectors.