Smith & Wesson Model 15-2 Combat Masterpiece .38 Special 2” Revolver, 1963
SOLD FOR: $1,530.00
LSB#: LSB251014CA005
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 15-2, Combat Masterpiece
Serial Number: K537920
Year of Manufacture: 1963 (C&R Eligible; per K-serial range, Supica & Nahas, 4th ed.)
Caliber: .38 Smith & Wesson Special
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON.” The right side is marked “.38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.” The right side of the frame bears the S&W trademark logo; the left side reads “MADE IN U.S.A. / MARCAS REGISTRADAS / SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” The yoke cut is stamped “MOD. 15-2.” The serial “K537920” is on the butt. The inside of the right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Under the right panel on the frame is an electro-penciled “G. Antoinette.”
Barrel Length: 2 Inches, pinned
Sights / Optics: Serrated ramp front integral to the barrel; adjustable square-notch rear leaf set into the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Factory diamond-center walnut Magna grips with sharp checkering and silver S&W medallions. Both panels show crisp edges and minimal handling. The inside of the right panel is factory-numbered to the revolver. Fit and finish are excellent and consistent with the original box labeling.
Type of Finish: Factory Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: Approximately 97%+ original blue remains. Notable wear is limited to a small area of finish loss on the ejector rod and light burn marks on the cylinder face. Hammer and trigger retain vivid case colors. The cylinder shows only a faint turn line. Edges are sharp, markings clear, and the polish retains deep mirror luster.
Mechanics: Functions correctly in both double and single action. Cylinder lock-up is tight and timing precise. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original blue S&W box numbered to the gun with correct factory end label (“15-2 / B / 2” BARREL”), matching serial, and remnants of the inspection sticker. Original wax paper included.
Our Assessment:
Introduced in 1949 as the Combat Masterpiece, the Model 15 became a staple of American police and target shooting. By 1963, the 15-2 embodied the perfected K-frame formula—balance, control, and precision—here in the compact 2″ pinned-barrel configuration favored by detectives and plainclothes officers. Chambered in .38 Special, it delivers the cartridge’s well-known blend of controllable recoil and dependable mid-century service ballistics.
This particular revolver adds a collector’s twist: a serrated trigger on a 2″ gun. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Supica & Nahas, 4th ed., p. 212) notes at least one 2″ reported with a serrated trigger but “not verified.” Your photos confirm that scarce variation here. With vivid case colors, ~97% original blue, numbered-to-gun diamond Magnas, hidden period “G. Antoinette” under the right panel, and its matching-label box, this is a standout short-barrel Combat Masterpiece from S&W’s early-1960s peak. We are no longer offering layaway. KF
