SOLD, EARLY 1952 SMITH & WESSON PRE MODEL 15, K38 COMBAT MASTERPIECE REVOLVER, FROM THE JOHN BIANCHI COLLECTION

In 97% condition, we have an extremely fine example of a 1952 production Smith & Wesson K38 Combat Masterpiece .38 Special Revolver.  Later this would be know as the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece.  This is considered to be the ultimate version of the K frame Smith & Wesson Police Service Revolvers and it was certainly the top choice of most Police Agencies who issued .38 revolvers right through the 1980’s.  It is absolutely what i reach for if i want to shoot a .38 and I have owned several over the years and would not be without one.

Of particular interest is the fact that this revolver is from the collection of the Legendary Firearms  and holster authority John Bianchi, a name we all recognize from the high grade holsters from his firm and the NRA Bianchi Cup.  Along with names like Weatherby and Ruger, Bianchi is certainly recognized for his important contributions to shooting in the 20th century.  Many cowboy shows and movies of the post WW2 era featured his sixgun leather and he was a friend to many of the great actors of the day.  That was only one aspect of a career that features stints in the law enforcement and the Military where he was a 2 star General in charge of the California National Guard.   This very pistol was likely used by him as a service piece at some point in his law enforcement career.  This is a very desirable early combat masterpiece with a great story.