Smith & Wesson K 22 combat masterpiece, price check

[Mustang]

I've got an all matching K-22 in pretty good condition, but it didn't come with a box or any paperwork. It is all matching. It was $500 5 years ago.

[Mustang]

I'm not a savvy S&W collector, so I didn't think to see a lot of things that I should have looked for. That's why I asked here, and you guys are really coming through for me.

I'm going to go back and look at it again today, but in casual conversation with the seller I got the sense that he was looking for about $1,000. I now know that is way too high, and why. I think I'll probably keep my money in my pocket on this gun.... I've always wanted a K-22, but I do have a later 617 and it is a pretty sweet shooter in its own right.

I've also got a K-38 that came with the original box and wax paper.

The older "gold" boxes did not have the label with the gun information hand written, like the later blue boxes. The gold boxes are model specific with the serial number written in grease pencil on the back.

[bigbossman]

Just my opinion but those of you that are saying you wouldn't pay more than $600 are high. I get it you may need to replace a couple screws, but unless the bluing is completely gone and there are other definitive scratches or marks within the pistol finish, there's no way you can find one for $600. Go look on gunbroker, starting bids are 750 ranging up to 1800 and more. Op, if you can pick that up for $600, I think you'd be foolish not to

I offered up $650, but he was stuck at $1,000 so I passed.

[Mustang]

If it has the original box (grease pencil s/n on the back), IMO it is worth more than $650. It is difficult for me to tell from the picture you posted if the trigger and hammer have been polished.
When you look at the trigger and hammer, does it have a mottled appearance, like this

[bigbossman]

If it has the original box (grease pencil s/n on the back), IMO it is worth more than $650. It is difficult for me to tell from the picture you posted if the trigger and hammer have been polished.
When you look at the trigger and hammer, does it have a mottled appearance, like this

Nope, they were shiny and in the white.... Definitely polished. That, and the buggered screws put me off. There were several other ones at the show to compare it to.

I'll post some pictures of another 5 screw that I saw, in a bit. No box but all matching and prettier.

[thehunted777]

I offered up $650, but he was stuck at $1, 000 so I passed.

Fair offer, ridiculous price. You were wise to walk away, He will NEVER sell it at $1,000. Foolish sellers always make me laugh, they must think they have gold or something.

One of my favorite stories of a ridiculous sellers price, was last year in a LGS I saw a consignment Springfield XD9 Subcompact selling for $800 used. I had to ask the sales clerk if indeed $800 was accurate and he said yes! I said your selling that gun brand new in the counter for $600, why would anyone pay $200 more for a used one without any upgrades? He said he told the guy but he wouldn't listen, I would bet my entire paycheck that gun never sold and is still there haha.

[dfletcher]

Fair offer, ridiculous price. You were wise to walk away, He will NEVER sell it at $1,000. Foolish sellers always make me laugh, they must think they have gold or something.

One of my favorite stories of a ridiculous sellers price, was last year in a LGS I saw a consignment Springfield XD9 Subcompact selling for $800 used. I had to ask the sales clerk if indeed $800 was accurate and he said yes! I said your selling that gun brand new in the counter for $600, why would anyone pay $200 more for a used one without any upgrades? He said he told the guy but he wouldn't listen, I would bet my entire paycheck that gun never sold and is still there haha.

It's the "IKEA Effect" meaning "I built it so it must be worth more" than store bought. First time I saw it was when my best friend decided to have his then new 1972 NOVA Super Sport painted metal flake purple. Most often seen nowadays on those $800.00 Anderson lowered AR 15s.

[bigbossman]

Fair offer, ridiculous price. You were wise to walk away, He will NEVER sell it at $1,000. Foolish sellers always make me laugh, they must think they have gold or something.

He was very cordial, and we had a great conversation about S&W in particular and guns in general. He conceded that his price was optimistic, wasn't insulted by my offer, and while he declined he did say to check back with him at the next gun show.

However - I think I found a better one. No box or other extras, just the revolver, but looks to be a circa 50's somewhere manufacture...... 1953? 5 screw, nice bluing with a touch of muzzle wear on the left side, nice screws, matching grips, correct case colored trigger and hammer, and showing relatively little use. Lock-up seems tight. No model designation inside the crane. He's another seller that wants a $1,000, but I think $850 out the door might get it.

Can someone verify my guess of 1953 for the date?

Pics:

[Mustang]

He was very cordial, and we had a great conversation about S&W in particular and guns in general. He conceded that his price was optimistic, wasn't insulted by my offer, and while he declined he did say to check back with him at the next gun show.

However - I think I found a better one. No box or other extras, just the revolver, but looks to be a circa 50's somewhere manufacture. 5 screw, nice bluing with a touch of muzzle wear on the left side, nice screws, matching grips, correct case colored trigger and hammer, and showing relatively little use. Lock-up seems tight. No model designation inside the crane. He's another seller that wants a $1,000, but I think $850 out the door might get it.

Can someone pinpoint the date for me?

1953

That is a nice looking one.

[thehunted777]

It's the "IKEA Effect" meaning "I built it so it must be worth more" than store bought. First time I saw it was when my best friend decided to have his then new 1972 NOVA Super Sport painted metal flake purple. Most often seen nowadays on those $800.00 Anderson lowered AR 15s.

Haha yep exactly 💯 🤣

[thehunted777]

He was very cordial, and we had a great conversation about S&W in particular and guns in general. He conceded that his price was optimistic, wasn't insulted by my offer, and while he declined he did say to check back with him at the next gun show.

However - I think I found a better one. No box or other extras, just the revolver, but looks to be a circa 50's somewhere manufacture...... 1953? 5 screw, nice bluing with a touch of muzzle wear on the left side, nice screws, matching grips, correct case colored trigger and hammer, and showing relatively little use. Lock-up seems tight. No model designation inside the crane. He's another seller that wants a $1,000, but I think $850 out the door might get it.

Can someone verify my guess of 1953 for the date?

Pics:

Nice one, yeah if you can get that one for $850 I'd say go for it 👍

[bigbossman]

Nice one, yeah if you can get that one for $850 I'd say go for it 👍

I'll get back to you.

[walterrego]

You were wise to pass on that gun with the buggered screws and polished trigger and hammer for $1000. I suspect someone did a "trigger job" on it and polished the case hardening off of the parts as part of the process. The case hardening is thin, and if you polish it off or cut through it on the engagement surfaces the parts will wear quickly. Replacing the screws, hammer and trigger would cost about $150- $200. So an assessment of $600 for the current value is generous. The box is worth about $100.

A nice K22 Masterpiece 5 screw model in top condition with matching box, papers and tools, including the correct SAT (sight adjusting tool) is worth $1000 easily these days. But one that Bubba has tinkered with should be avoided unless the cost of repairs is considered in the price.

[Bull Elk]

I own a number of Smith's, including several 17's. We always say "condition, condition, and condition", but Smiths are escalating in price and it's hard to find a decent revolver in very good condition, so who knows. Based on your photo, I would say that $1000 is on the very high end. I think your initial offer was fair. Maybe you could have gone a little higher, but if the seller is set on $1000, it wouldn't matter. Lastly, a gun show is the last place I would look to buy a quality S&W revolver. Too many gunshow sellers want more than many of the guns are worth.

[CalifEd]

Don't forget the California Penalty.
California prices are about 20% higher than in the free states.