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  • /Lot 476

Lot 476:Smith & Wesson K-32 Masterpiece (Pre-Model 16) Revolver

August 25th, 2023|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 476

Lot 476:Smith & Wesson K-32 Masterpiece (Pre-Model 16) Revolver

August 25th, 2023|Rock Island, IL
Estimated Price$12,000 - $18,000
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Extremely Rare and Documented Smith & Wesson K-32 Masterpiece (Pre-Model 16) Double Action Revolver with Special Order 4 Inch Barrel, Gold Box, and Factory Letter

This S&W K-32 Masterpiece (pre-Model 16) revolver has a special order 4 inch barrel and is built on the 5-screw frame. The standard barrel length for this model was 6 inches. This is one of only 3,630 K-32 Masterpiece (Model 16) revolvers S&W manufactured over a 26 year period starting in 1947. It is the rarest of the standard K-Masterpiece series. The accompanying factory letter (copy) states the revolver was shipped on March 4, 1949 and delivered to B.W. Folsom, Warren, Ohio, with special order 4 inch barrel, Patridge front sight, blue finish, and checkered walnut grips (currently wearing a set of Magna grips numbered to another gun). This shipment was for 10 units ordered with a 4 inch barrel and S&W charged an additional $6.00 for each of the 4 inch barrels. The included S&W invoice confirms the 4 inch barrel and lists the serial numbers for all 10 guns in the March 4, 1949 shipment. These 10 guns were the first 4 inch K-32s ever manufactured and other than two others produced in 1951, the only 4 inch barrels built on the 5-screw frame. Matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, and barrel. Comes with an unnumbered correct S&W model gold box. Provenance: The Dave Ballantyne Collection

Rating definitionExcellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish with moderate rotation wear on the cylinder and a ding on the muzzle followed by circinal scratches half way to the ejector housing. 99% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are also excellent with some scattered minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine.
Details
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
ModelK 32
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Handgun
Barrel4 inch solid rib
Finishblue
Gripwalnut
Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1715
Catalog page396
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