What is a 39-1 if not a 52a ? (Cherry's ad 1975)

model3sw · #1 01-19-2017, 01:41 PM

In Cherry's monthly sales paper for December 1, 1975 is advertised a "RARE 39-1 new in box for $199.50 and a Super Rare 52A, 38 AMU Caliber, very few made $1,250.00 with 1 box of ammo"

It is known that after the model 39, the internal model number assigned to the subsequent revisions was 39-1, which I suspect was used for more than one project or revision. As I have been made to understand the 39-1 that we know it to be "is" the 52A.

If so, what was Cherry's selling as a 39-1, new in box, on December 1, 1975 for $199.50 ?

Also, what other (and how many other) "in house" R&D projects were temporarily named 39-1 or 39-2 before the production 39-2 (as we know it to be) was commercially released ?

Could the 59 have been temporarily assigned a 39-1, in-house designation ?
Could a 39 steel frame have been temporarily assigned a 39-1 in house designation.
Could the contract of the steel frame double-stack (for a USN test trial) have been temporarily assigned a 39-1 in house designation.

I own a model 39-2, SN, 627xx (xx only because I cannot recall at this moment) which is in range with other steel frame 39s ... but mine is a double stack 39, with a 39, long extractor slide, and a pair of 39 grips custom shaved to have straight back. To best describe it, it looks like a 147A, with a 39 long extractor slide. Serial number is in the 39 range steel frames but it is a double stack.

gmborkovic · #2 01-19-2017, 02:58 PM

This Thread just created a whole new field of research.
I will say for 1977, those are quite some handsome prices.
It was my first year out of college and that was big money. Best

model3sw · #3 01-21-2017, 11:20 PM

Kevin Williams, are you out there ? What's your impression on this. Sal

clang444 · #4 01-21-2017, 11:44 PM

Maybe it's just a typo and they really meant 39-2?

model3sw · #5 01-22-2017, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clang444

Maybe it's just a typo and they really meant 39-2?

Perhaps but the same ad, reprinted the same way in previous & subsequent months ? You'd figure if it were a misprint it would have been corrected at the next print.

In History of S&W by Roy, he indicated the 39-1 revision was essentially the 52A. I surmise it was perhaps used again on one of the other 9mm projects in R&D at the time and also the in house use of 39-2 before the final commercial release of the 39-2 as we know it to be.

model3sw · #6 01-29-2017, 03:53 PM

Here I am just commenting on my own post to bring it back up from the low end of the list, hoping it will catch the attention of a few hard-core early 39 collectors.

TRE · #7 01-31-2017, 06:54 PM

Ok, THAT's where I saw it....

LOL, didn't remember.

I picked up some 38 AMU brass at the gunshow last weekend and I THOUGHT there were some M52s that were chambered for it, but a few people told me that the 38 AMU cartridge was for a 1911 38 Special and NOT a 52.

Puts my mind to rest, since I had read this post and forgotten where I found the M52/38 AMU connection. LOL

Thanks

TRE

model3sw · #8 01-31-2017, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRE

Ok, THAT's where I saw it....

LOL, didn't remember.

I picked up some 38 AMU brass at the gunshow last weekend and I THOUGHT there were some M52s that were chambered for it, but a few people told me that the 38 AMU cartridge was for a 1911 38 Special and NOT a 52.

Puts my mind to rest, since I had read this post and forgotten where I found the M52/38 AMU connection. LOL

Thanks

TRE

The 52 is a 5" barrel target pistol that fires .38 Special Mid-Range.
followed by the revised 52-1 and 52-2 but all .38 Special Mid-Range
the 52A is exactly the same size as a 39 with a 4" barrel that fires .38AMU, I believe only 87 of the 52A were manufactured.

The question I posed is that when advertised by Cherry's in 1975 it offers the 52A .... and .... a 39-1.

As far as I have researched the 39-1 became the 52A. Obviously, Cherry's was selling both the 52A and a 39-1.

So, what is the 39-1 that Cherry's offered here ?

Hope you can help.

TRE · #9 02-01-2017, 12:43 AM

Sorry, I can't help you with your questions about the 39-1 and 52A, I just happened to come across this 38 AMU brass over he weekend, and your post was relevant to it for me.

I do love that ad you posted though, I love older stuff like that.

I am looking for a Model 52 (for a price I can afford), but I would imagine that a 38 AMU gun just isn't in the cards for me.

I have also been looking at a few 39s at gunshows over the last year, might have to pull the trigger on one this summer.

TRE

Quote:

Originally Posted by model3sw

The 52 is a 5" barrel target pistol that fires .38 Special Mid-Range.
followed by the revised 52-1 and 52-2 but all .38 Special Mid-Range
the 52A is exactly the same size as a 39 with a 4" barrel that fires .38AMU, I believe only 87 of the 52A were manufactured.

The question I posed is that when advertised by Cherry's in 1975 it offers the 52A .... and .... a 39-1.

As far as I have researched the 39-1 became the 52A. Obviously, Cherry's was selling both the 52A and a 39-1.

So, what is the 39-1 that Cherry's offered here ?

Hope you can help.