S&W k22 masterpiece low number

[mijborg]

Recently I inherited a K22 from a friend.

It is pristine with box. An identical box was sold on ebay for $104-just the box.

The S/N is N7405 stamped on the bottom of the handle. The N740 is machine stamped and the 5 is obviously hand stamped. Under the cylinder crane is stamped N28184.

This is a wierd low number for a Smith.

I don't care how much it is worth because I could never sell it, but others may be curious.

When was it made? Was it part of a series made for some one like the army? Is it special other than being mine?

If anyone knows this stuff, Please let me know.

Thanks for looking.

 

[rscalzo]

S&W will give you the history for a fee.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757825_-1_757814_757812_image

 

[mijborg]

Thanks Partner.

 

[Giterboosted]

Pics?

 

[Ron James]

Well, that is rather odd, TTBOMK, the K-22 or Pre- Model 17 was built on the K-Frame, all serial numbers prior ( since serial number K 101 ) to 1970 had a K Prefix.. The N-Prefix was used on the N frame such as the Model 29.

 

[SaxonPig]

That is not a correct serial number for a K frame 22 S&W.

All post-war K22s with adjustable sights have a letter K prefix. The N prefix was used for N frame revolvers made 1969-1981.

If the serial has been altered or removed the gun is illegal to possess.

 

[mijborg]

I was WRONG

I took the after market grips off to make sure, and yes my old eyes had fooled me, the S/N is in fact K 7405.

I shoulda busted out the magnifying glass before I posted.

I hope you guys will still tell me what you know.

S&W wants $50 for a letter.

Again, sorry for the mispost, thanks for looking.

 

[Iggy]

Looks like your K-22 was shipped in early 1947.

 

[mijborg]

Here's Pics

I put the original grips back on for some pics. The holster and box came with it.







Please bear with me, I'm at the low end of the learning curve.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

You have a very nice K-22 masterpiece with the original box. I do not have my book here with me but like the other person said it should be a post war third model. From memory (may be right LOL) first model was the outdoorsman from 1931 to 1940. second model was something like 1941 threw the war and the third model was post war threw the end of 1957 when then they started to put the model # on the frame.

I would value it (again no book with me) at a min. of $700 and since you have the box you might realize up to 1K from the right buyer.

My advice is to NOT store it in the holster. either if you want keep it in the box wrapped in the original wrap that came with it or something of the kind like a cloth or something. What I do on the older ones where the box has real value also it to just store the box without the pistol in it and put the pistol in a soft gun case or the like.

I was just waiting for more info or a photo as at first it sounded like you had a model 22 smith which is a N frame from my memory and started out like the model 1950 or something like that.

Again very nice pistol and congrats on owning it.

 

[Standing Wolf]

My advice is to NOT store it in the holster.

I'll second that. The acids used to turn animal skins into leather leave traces that not only can, but sooner or later will ruin bluing; further, most leathers hold moisture from the air, which can promote rust.

Here's a further suggestion: take that beauty to the range and shoot it. You're going to be amazed.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // A handgun to treasure.

The 1947 K-22 post war serial numbers went from K615-K18731.

It may have just "Made in USA", I believe the four line address started in 1948.

The Standard Catalog of S&W lists AANIB $750.00, low around here.
The book also describes a lanyard hole in many of the grips.

Enjoy, you have a gift to treasure and shoot to boot.