K-38 Masterpiece value?

[Old 112]

This is a late model(1955) 5 screw with the correct magnas. Assuming good lockup and timing, and 90% finsh with no major scratches or major dings, what would the price range be?
Thanks Old 112

 

[MrBorland]

You describe a revolver that to me, sounds like it's in Very Good condition (VG). There may be regional variations, but according to The Book (Supica & Nahas, 3rd ed.), a VG K-38 is valued at $315 (4" Combat Masterpiece, pre-15) to $350 (6" Target Masterpiece, pre-14).

Are you sure about the date (1955)? The upper sideplate screw was deleted in 1955. The range of serial #s for 1955 is K2312XX-K2661XX.

 

[Canuck-IL]

If that's 6", in that condition, you can get $425 for it on the S&W forum or from a Bullseye shooter. Model 14-2 and 3 are going for that.
/Bryan

 

[Old Fuff]

The upper sideplate screw was deleted in 1955.

Ya, but not on January 1st.

Smith & Wesson had frames and sideplates in stock that were drilled and tapped for the screw, and they continued to make revolvers using those parts until they ran out - which apparently was sometime during 1955.

Anyway, it is not unusual to find a revolver with features that were supposed to have been changed or deleated before the model dash-number or serial number would indicate. Obviously if the gun in question has the screw... well it has it.

The next question would be: "When was it shipped from the factory?" To learn that will require a $30.00 fee to have Roy Jinks, S&W's in-house historian, look it up in the old records. Sometimes you find a gun was shipped much later then you would have thought.