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I have a gun that has been passed down that I am trying to get a value on. I believe it is a model 15 and if I understand correctly my dad had shot this when he was a kid in the 50's. Barrel is marked 38 S&W Special CTG. Has adjustable rear sight, plastic pearl grips, serial number has a K pre-fix. Any insight is much appreciated.
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Looks to be early 1952 manufacture, would be considered a pre model 15. They hadn’t started giving them model numbers until around 1957. They called that model a Combat Masterpiece K38. Those do not appear to be the original grips, which diminishes the value some. It looks to be in pretty good shape for a 64 year old gun. I had one a little newer that I sold for $400 about a year ago. They have continued to rise in price so I would say still $475 to $550 without original grips. It is a very popular and sought after model.
BigE3 nailed it. Those are definitely not the original grips, it came with what Smith called diamond magnas (wood with the s&w medallions). They might be Bakelite imitation stag grips, very popular in the 50s.
The finish looks in really great shape for a gun of that vintage that no doubt spent some time in the holster. Perfectly safe to shoot with standard pressure ammo by the way and probably very fun too.
I don't have any additional info, but damn I love an old Smith wheel gun!
Thanks guys, I appreciate your input!!