A buddy of mine returned from a show with this S&W K-38 Masterpiece Fitz special K-13xxxx and he wanted to know more about it and it's potential value. The price paid is average for a K-38. The bore is nice and general condition sits at around NRA good in my opinion. It has tight lockup and is one of the smoothest revolvers I have worked recently. What is confusing us is the purpose and origin of the "Elmer Keith" stamp on the frame. The seller claimed that the revolver was sent to Kieth for tuning. Thankfully he bought the revolver and not the story and didn't pay (much) more than average.
We had two thoughts that may discredit the claim.
#1. Elmer Keith is known more for 44 magnum and .357. A paltry .38 spl would be like tuning a bb gun to the rest of us.
#2. John Fitzgerald and Keith knew each other, and Fitz generally preferred to modify Colts. Fitzing is a relatively easy modification and could be done by any competent smith.
Thoughts?
We had two thoughts that may discredit the claim.
#1. Elmer Keith is known more for 44 magnum and .357. A paltry .38 spl would be like tuning a bb gun to the rest of us.
#2. John Fitzgerald and Keith knew each other, and Fitz generally preferred to modify Colts. Fitzing is a relatively easy modification and could be done by any competent smith.
Thoughts?