Smith & Wesson Pre-War K-22 Masterpiece

Rare Smith & Wesson Pre-War K-22 Masterpiece Revolver serial #683137, .22 LR, 6" barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces on this outstanding K-22 second model revolver retain about 98 to near 99% original blue, the loss due to some very light muzzle wear, the faintest of turn rings and very slight sharp edge wear, with a tiny rub mark at left front of the bow of guard; there is one spot on the cylinder between the flutes with some extremely light surface abrasions, most of which do not even breach the blue. The short action stepped hammer and grooved face trigger retain vivid color casehardening. The checkered walnut magna grips with silver Smith & Wesson medallions rate excellent, they are un-numbered but their fit is nearly perfect. The arm features a silver Call bead front sight and black square notch micrometer click rear sight with "patents pending" marking. The revolver comes in a red two-piece box with black and gold print marked "The K.-22 Masterpiece", the white serial number tag on its underside has faded with the years and its number is no longer legible. The box rates very good plus with lightly scuffed corners and edges, with a bit of pencil writing on the lid, it is unobtrusive. All numbers are matching. Factory records show shipment on March 16, 1940 to Clapp & Treat in Hartford for Earl M. Chase of Springfield, Mass. Overall a really superb example of these rare Pre-War revolvers from the man who knows them best. From the Roy Jinks Collection. Just Lovely.