I have a model 39-2 and the grips are Elk Horn. The inscription on the inside of 1 is "Made for my good friend Rod happy shooting pardner Elmer Keith." I have some pics. but haven't figured out how to get them on here yet.

If genuine, you have some history there. I am not sure how you could authenticate them, but someone here will know. I read his autobiography when I was a kid. He was quite a guy.

L

The book "Letters from Elmer Keith" should give you an idea if your's are close, plus any other info on how they crossed paths. Worth verifying.Good Luck and keep us posted.

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Good shooting.

I can see Keith giving a good friend elk horn gifts already installed on a .44 Magnum. I can't see Keith having anything to do with a Model 39, no matter how good a friend Rod was. Good luck on your search to verify the authenticity. I'd love to be wrong on this one.

Rod who??????

Rod Ford, and engraver from Texas

I agree.....with Elmer being a wheel-gun guy, it's surprising he would mess with a semi-auto.......but of course maybe Rod liked them.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

In the book "Sixguns" by Keith on page 193 he states "The best auto pistol in the 9mm we have seen to date for combat use is the new Smith & Wesson." He goes on to describe it but does not give a model number. Based on the copyright date of the book it probably was a 39.

Thanks. I don't have to go look that up now in Sixguns but remember he wrote it. I have a similiar gun with Grashorn elk "bone". but Elmer didn't give it to me. But he probably would have given it away since he didn't like nickel.

At the Julia Auction Elmer's Pre-39, Lot 3282, sold for $2398.50. Guess he liked it enough to keep around for a while!!!

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Good shooting.

Given Elmer's preferences he probably kept it for shooting rats in the barn. Wouldn't trust a .22 for that.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

It shouldn't be too difficult to have his signature and script authenticated by a respected source.

I think you guys are reading too much in to Elmer's preference for revolvers to suggest that his preference would ever outright prohibit him from autographing a grip panel for a 39/52.

It could well have been at a meet & greet event where most folks would have a book signed... this gentleman Rod had a single grip panel signed.

I have a copy of Sixguns signed by Elmer.

Elmer wasn't anti semi-auto and shot , tested and reloaded for many. The model 39 was one of his favorites.
I had an old copy of Sixguns and last year bought many of his other books concerning shooting , reloading and hunting plus Gun Notes vol I.
The 45 acp , 38 Super , 9 mm Luger and a few other semi auto rounds all get looked at and tested by Elmer.
I can see a model 39 being gifted by Elmer , he thought highly of it.
Talk about a piece of history...would love to see photo's .
Gary

It is possible that Elmer had the grips made by a friend of his in Salmon. There was a fellow with considerable talent that made several sets for Elmer and also Hank Jr. He specialized in horn and antler grips. A fellow that I know, here in town, was friends with both during the time he lived in Salmon and has several sets and they are nice!

Just as a part of the conversation, Elmer Keith was a legend IMO and anything like this would be worth checking out and trying to authenticate.