K-38 value

[slughammer]

Normally I would go to gunauction.com and see what these are actually selling for. Unfortunately the closed listings with K-38 in them are all model 14's. I'm trying to come up with a sale price for this k-38 Masterpiece that is fair. Any help I can get is appreciated.

5 screw K-38
SN 51xxx
.10 front sight (rear replaced but have original blade)
some marks on the blueing as shown
.3585 slug pushes through throats with a pencil.

[Frank46]

All K-38's are model 14's. Some may be like 14-1 or 14-2, all the last number is the revision number for changes on that particular model number. Hope this helps. Nice model 14's or K-38's such as yours down here are scarce. So if it were for sale down here at least $500 maybe more. Frank

[cwheel]

I understand K-38's were the first version, 5 screw. When they went to the 4 screw, then 3 they became the model 14. Some small changes made along the way. His early K-38 5 screw in the condition it appears to be in by the pics is worth at least 25% more than the standard model 14. The 5 screw gives it somewhat more of a collector value to those who collect those early smiths. I have 3 of them.
Chris

[GLL]

The K-38 Target masterpiece was made from 1946 until 1957. In 1957 the model number stamping began as the Model 14.
I assume there is a "K" in front of the 51xxx so yours may be 1948 !

Jerry

[Mk42gunner]

Nice looking K-38. With the way prices have jumped in the last few years, I don't have any idea what it is worth.

I will guess that it is worth more than a K-22, but considerably less than a K-32.

Robert

[slughammer]

Yes, there is a K about 3/8 inch in front of the serial on the grip frame. The serial is on the barrel, cylinder and grip frame. There is also a matching set of numbers in the frame at the yoke and on the yoke itself, I imagine those are assembly numbers of some sort.

i like your signature line. I may be an accumulator of stainless S&W's myself, that's why this old gal may need to leave the sanctuary and be free with those of her kind.

[cwheel]

Looked it up in the Blue Book of Gun Values. By the pictures, yours could go 98% condition. Pictures aren't clear enough to make a good condition call. $400 in this older book, could be a 2011 edition. In the book they mention 4 changes during the production that lasted from 1947-1981. Just a WAG would put this one in the $500+ range because of the 5 screw and early production and good condition.
Chris

[twidget]

There should be serial numbers on the crane (yoke) and extractor. The number on the crane is on the surface facing the cylinder. It is hard to see with the gun assembled. The one on the extractor is on the side that touches the cylinder - extend the extractor to see it.