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LOT 551
Exceptional Cased Pair of Russell Smith Engraved Smith & Wesson K-38
Target Masterpiece Revolvers with Factory Letter -A) Smith & Wesson K-38
Masterpiece Revolver - Serial no. K221755, 38 S&W special cal., 6 inch solid
rib bbl., blue finish, rosewood grips. This is an excellent example of a factory
engraved Smith & Wesson K-38 Target Masterpiece revolver accompanied with
a copy of a factory letter from Smith & Wesson historian Roy G. Jinks. Jinks
personally examined this engraved revolver and concludes that the engraving
is the very early work of Russell J. Smith and is the traditional factory Class B
coverage. The engraving shows the heavy influence of Harry Jarvis who was
the master engraver at S&W when Russell Smith began his employment with
the company. The development of the engraving coverages of A, B, and C were
incorporated by Harry Jarvis who insisted that the patterns be followed closely.
Russell Smith adhered to Jarvis’ style of engraving during his first few years with
S&W. This revolver was engraved in the later part of 1954 and completed in the
winter of 1955. According to Jinks, the factory records state that the revolver was
shipped on February 1, 1956, to H.H. Harris Co., Chicago, Illinois, with several other
engraved revolvers. The records confirm the Class B engraving, blue finish, target
hammer, rosewood target stock and Patridge front sight. The second revolver
included in this lot (serial number K233625) which is engraved in the Class A style
was part of the original set. Jinks believes that there was a third gun shipped with
this set which was completed as a Class C engraved model (revolver not included).
Both revolvers are nicely displayed in a fitted Huey gun case. The leather bound
oak case with brass corner protectors is lined with fitted maroon velvet.
CONDITION: Excellent. The revolver retains over 99% original blue finish with
a few scattered light handling marks and a light cylinder drag line. The
engraving is sharp. The grips are also excellent with some scattered, mild
handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
B) Smith & Wesson K-38 Masterpiece Revolver - Serial no. K233625, 38
S&W special cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, rosewood grips. This is the
second factory Smith & Wesson K-38 Masterpiece revolver included in this lot
as described in A. As in A, this revolver is accompanied with a copy of a factory
letter from Smith & Wesson historian Roy G. Jinks. Jinks confirms that the revolver
was engraved by Russell Smith and that the Class A engraving shows the early
characteristics of Russ Smith’s work as he moved away from the style established
by Harry Jarvis. Jinks states that the factory records confirm the blue finish, target
hammer and trigger, smooth rosewood target stocks, red post front sight, and
Class A engraving. The included factory letter also confirms the type of grips, finish
and engraving and shipment information provided in A and gives a brief history of
the K-38 Masterpiece revolver.
CONDITION: Excellent. The revolver retains 99% plus original blue finish with a
light cylinder drag line. All of the original casehardened finish remains on the
trigger and hammer. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling
marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is also excellent with minor handling
and storage marks.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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