1964 Model 39 Steel Frame.

bizguy · #1 03-09-2010, 12:59 AM

Hi. I posted about this gun a couple of years ago. But, that original post is gone. So, I decided to re-share the photos.

This is my 1964 Model 39 Steel. It lettered as having been shipped to a California-based Smith & Wesson sales rep. I'll have to locate my letter in order to recall the name of the rep.

I acquired it with the original box, 2 magazines, and an un-opened tool kit. As best as I can tell, it has never been fired.

The bluing is really beautiful, especially the frame and in particular the front strap. You can actually clearly see your reflection in the front strap. Interestingly, the slide's bluing is a slightly purplish hue.

I love this gun. It is the prize of my meager collection.

Best Regards,
James

handejector · #2 03-09-2010, 01:09 AM

GREAT gun.
I've had a couple of them, but could not afford to hang on to them.

Racer X · #3 03-09-2010, 01:28 AM

My 439 slide has that slight purpleish hue as well.

akviper · #4 03-09-2010, 05:52 AM

A great gun. I always liked the 39 but have never seen a steel frame. This specimen definitely deserves the white glove treatment. Thanks for the pictures.

Raider · #5 03-09-2010, 09:15 AM

Beautiful pistol. I've seen a couple of steel frames at the gunshows over the years. They were beat up but still priced at well over $1000. That one would be the star of almost any collection.

Charlie

FirebirdV8 · #6 03-09-2010, 10:53 AM

That steel 39 is in great shape. The deep, bright blue on the 39 no dash pistols is beautiful. I can see why they stopped doing it (it just doesn't hold up to heavy duty use), but the mirror finish effect is just cool. It is also odd how different parts of a blued gun will turn plum/purple. I have a refinished 28-2 with the cylinder turning purple and the slide on my 39-2 also has the same thing in the early stages. It does add a unique appearance to each gun, being a slightly different color. Thanks for the pictures, you have a nice Mod 39.

bizguy · #7 03-09-2010, 11:08 AM

Thank you all for the nice comments.

Best Regards,
James

balldboy · #8 03-09-2010, 11:31 AM

Absolutely beautiful!!!

Are the sights windage only and is that a lanyard ring?

I was offered one of these "hot" about 30 years ago and passed.

It was not in nearly as nice shape but the balance felt perfect, I wiped it down and handed it back.

The newspaper had a nice picture of the "seller" a few weeks later...

snw19_357 · #9 03-09-2010, 02:47 PM

That's one heck of a 39, bizguy

Quote:

Originally Posted by balldboy

Are the sights windage only and is that a lanyard ring?

Yes, those sights are adjustable for windage only. There were some that were also adjustable for elevation.

Unless they had a steel backstrap insert, 39s and 59s had a lanyard loop.

bizguy · #10 03-10-2010, 12:11 AM

Thanks balldboy and snw19_357.

In looking closely at the rear sight, it does seem like it is only adjustable for windage.

This particular gun does not have a lanyard ring. From the profile pictures, it looks like a lanyard ring at the bottom. But, that is actually solid and without a hole for a lanyard.

Best Regards,
James

mgo · #11 03-10-2010, 01:40 AM

A thing of beauty, for sure! I'm still trying to find out why there is a hole in the hammer spur. Anybody know? Theories vary. My 39 no dash has one, too, but my 39-2 does not.

akviper · #12 03-10-2010, 03:39 AM

The hole in the hammer disappeared in the early 70s along with the figure eight style barrel bushing. I think it was a cost saving measure but I don't know that for a fact.

FirebirdV8 · #13 03-10-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgo

A thing of beauty, for sure! I'm still trying to find out why there is a hole in the hammer spur. Anybody know? Theories vary. My 39 no dash has one, too, but my 39-2 does not.

From what i have seen the hole in the hammer disappeared in the late A19XXXX / early A20XXXX Serial numbers on the 39-2. While I don't know the reason for it to be there, I personally feel it is just there for looks.