Cased Pair of Engraved Smith & Wesson K-38 Target Masterpiece Revolvers - 351A

This is an excellent example of a factory engraved Smith & Wesson K-38 Target Masterpiece revolver accompanied with a copy of a factory letter from Smith & Wesson historian Roy G. Jinks. Jinks personally examined this engraved revolver and concludes that the engraving is the very early work of Russell J. Smith and is the traditional factory Class B coverage. The engraving shows the heavy influence of Harry Jarvis who was the master engraver at S&W when Russell Smith began his employment with the company. The development of the engraving coverages of A, B, and C were incorporated by Harry Jarvis who insisted that the patterns be followed closely. Russell Smith adhered to Jarvis' style of engraving during his first few years with S&W. This revolver was engraved in the later part of 1954 and completed in the winter of 1955. According to Jinks, the factory records state that the revolver was shipped on February 1, 1956, to H.H. Harris Co., Chicago, Illinois, with several other engraved revolvers. The records confirm the Class B engraving, blue finish, target hammer, rosewood target stock and Patridge front sight. The second revolver included in this lot (serial number K233625) which is engraved in the Class A style was part of the original set. Jinks believes that there was a third gun shipped with this set which was completed as a Class C engraved model (revolver not included). Both revolvers are nicely displayed in a fitted Huey gun case. The leather bound oak case with brass corner protectors is lined with fitted maroon velvet.

Condition: Excellent. The revolver retains over 99% original blue finish with a few scattered light handling marks and a light cylinder drag line. The engraving is sharp. The grips are also excellent with some scattered, mild handling marks. Mechanically excellent.