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LOT 1558
Outstanding Pair of Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece Pre-Model 15 Double Action Revolvers
Attributed to Goodyear Tire Company’s Security Division with Gold Boxes and Factory Letters
-A) Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver - Serial no. K200446, 38 S&W Special cal., 4 inch solid
rib bbl., blue finish, checkered walnut grips. Offered here is a stunning pair of S&W K-38 (Pre-Model 15) revolvers
attributed as issued to security personnel at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron Ohio, circa 1950s.
From its humble beginnings as a bicycle and carriage tire manufacturer in 1898, the Goodyear of today ranks among
the Fortune 500 list of largest United States companies by revenue and produces a variety of tires from passenger
vehicles to commercial trucks to aviation to military and police vehicles in 53 facilities in 20 countries. “For more than
125 years,” notes the company, “Goodyear has kept the world moving.” Despite its worldwide operations, Goodyear
headquarters remains in Akron, the city where Goodyear opened its first factory. Provenance for these Goodyear
revolvers is detailed by a previous owner in an included email addressed to our consignor: “These [revolvers] came
from the head of security at Goodyear Tire in Akron. They sat in the armory crib un-issued until the security firm
at Goodyear mandated the use of the 9mm. At the time the gentleman that was the senior officer was give[n] the
chance to buy them. He purchased both K-38s and kept them, and occasionally would wipe down, and carefully
put [them] back in the boxes. When he brought these to me I nearly fell over. It was as if he had gotten into a time
machine and went back to 1953.” The condition of these revolvers is certainly outstanding!
Each revolver comes with its own separate factory letter, and the letters note that both revolvers were shipped on
December 8 ,1953 and delivered to W. Bingham Co., Cleveland, Ohio and confirm the 4 inch barrels, blue finish, and
checkered walnut grips. About 40 miles separate Cleveland and Akron. Matching respective serial numbers appear
on the right grip panel, butt, cylinder, and barrel. Each revolver comes with their original Smith & Wesson gold box,
tools, and a “Helpful Hints” pamphlet.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, near new in box with 99% plus original finish, limited handling wear, and crisp grip
checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine.
B) Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver - Serial no. K200655, 38 S&W Special cal., 4 inch solid rib
bbl., blue finish, checkered walnut grips. See “A.”
CONDITION: Excellent plus, near new in box with 99% plus original finish, limited handing wear, and crisp grip
checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine. A superb pair of Smith & Wesson K-38 revolvers linked to the
famed Goodyear Tire company.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
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