K-22 Masterpiece (pre-model 17)

284 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by K22, 9 d ago

Redpen

Discussion Starter · 11 d ago

I came across a beautiful K-22 Masterpiece that is pristine. It does not have the original grips. However, the hammer and trigger are jeweled. They are professional looking with exact swirles that don't overlap. I have been told that was a factory option. Can someone with knowledge of these older revolvers provide some insight on whether or not the factory provided this option?

See less See more

Save

Reactions: 1

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

Wiregrassguy

· #2 · 11 d ago

Welcome to the forums from the cotton and peanut covered plains of the Wiregrass! To my knowledge, engine turning (jeweling) was not an option. However, it might have been available through special order. In any case, the gun pictured does not appear to be a Model 17 as I can't see the cross pin for the frame mounted firing pin. Also, the bluing may be a refinish done when the jeweling was done.

Save

Reactions: 1

Redpen

Discussion Starter · #3 · 11 d ago

Wiregrassguy said:
Welcome to the forums from the cotton and peanut covered plains of the Wiregrass! To my knowledge, engine turning (jeweling) was not an option. However, it might have been available through special order. In any case, the gun pictured does not appear to be a Model 17 as I can't see the cross pin for the frame mounted firing pin. Also, the bluing may be a refinish done when the jeweling was done.

I believe it to be a pre-17 based on the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson which describs it as a Post War 3rd. Model.

Save

StrawHat

· #4 · 11 d ago

For what cartridge is it chambered?

Kevin

Save

Redpen

Discussion Starter · #5 · 11 d ago

StrawHat said:
For what cartridge is it chambered?

Kevin

22lr

Save

Wiregrassguy

· #6 · 11 d ago

Would you post a picture of the entire gun on both sides? I do not see a frame mounted firing pin cross pin which would be right under the micro-click rear sight. It is undoubtedly a Masterpiece, but IMO not a K-22. If you cock the hammer, is the nose flat? It is possible that the cross pin, which should be proud, was polished flat and the gun was refinished.

Save

Redpen

Discussion Starter · #7 · 11 d ago

Wiregrassguy said:
Would you post a picture of the entire gun on both sides? I do not see a frame mounted firing pin cross pin which would be right under the micro-click rear sight. It is undoubtedly a Masterpiece, but IMO not a K-22. If you cock the hammer, is the nose flat? It is possible that the cross pin, which should be proud, was polished flat and the gun was refinished.

It has a hammer spur.

See less See more

Save

Reactions: 1

Wiregrassguy

· #8 · 11 d ago

Ok. Those pictures help a lot. It is a 5 screw K-22 Masterpiece. So it was made early in or before 1955. I don't know why the firing pin cross pin is not visible on the left side. It is visible on the right. The cross pin locks the frame mounted firing pin into the frame. You can see it just above the upper sideplate screw on the right side. It's a nice looking gun. You might remove the grips and look on the left side toe of the grip frame for a service date that will look like MM.YY. Also there may be a R-S or R-B inside a rectangle stamped on the frame.