Help with ID of gun and value

S

So2649

Inactive
This weekend I went to my local gun show looking to trade my .38 Airweight S&W for a mid frame or large frame revolver. I found someone willing to trade me straight up for a K frame S&W. I was just looking for a used revolver to bring with me on my hip when I am in the woods.

So when I got home I went to buy a holster for it online and I could not find the Model # where Smith's usually have it, (inner frame with cylinder open). So after some online research I realized I have a different creature here then I thought I did. I am not sure but I think I have a Smith & Wesson Combat Masterpiece .38 Cal Pre-Model 5 Screw. The model # is K82XXX, (yes just 5 numbers). Another site showed it maybe from 1949.

The gun is in great condition, very little wearing on the barrel and cylinder. Inner cylinders and barrel perfect. It looks new on the inside and pretty new on the outside. The grips look original, and it does have the diamond center carving. The barrel serial # also matches the frames.

The gun is great, but not what I was expecting at all. Thought I had a great find for the woods, now I might just have a great find? How much should I value this at? Also is it rare?
 
Picture would help, but if in fact it is a pre 50's K38
I'd guess it to be between $1,300 and $1,500
Possibly a bit more with the right buyer
 
In 1949 the K series serial numbers went from K73122 through K84149. The Model 15 was produced from 1949 until 1988 The original ID of your gun is Combat Masterpiece. In 1957 S&W dropped the tittles and went with Numbers such as the Model 15 which was stamped on the yoke under the cylinder.. It seems you have a first year Combat Masterpiece AKA the Model 15. you came on the top end of that trade.
 
hmm wow so what would you value the gun at then? Thinking I better insure it, and not go hunting with it at my side, lol.
 
K-38 combat masterpieces are not worth $1300 to $1500, unless they're gold plated from the factory :)

I would say the value is $450 to $600. $600 would be too high unless the grips match the gun. You might see some joker online ask $750 for one that looks about 90%, but remember an ASKING PRICE and a SELLING PRICE are two different things. If you remove the grips, the number should be stamped inside the right grip panel. While being a 5 screw S&W, pre model, and having condition, the gun is not a rare model. They are fairly common. I myself would not carry such a gun at all, but I would shoot it with standard 38 specials. I would not shoot 38+Ps in it since the gun was not designed for those.
 
With that serial number dating it to the first year of production, does that add to the value? And if the grips are original to the gun does that add to it?
 
The Combat Masterpiece is one fine gun. It is a 4" barrel version of the K-38 Masterpiece, and was a favorite of police officers who wanted an upgrade from the standard M&P. The later Combat Magnum (later Model 19) was basically the Combat Masterpiece modified for the .357 cartridge.

Jim
 
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