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  #101  
Old 08-04-2018, 07:58 PM
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The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture.  
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I have two early transitional 39-2 pistols both blue. The onle difference between the two that I can find is the hole in the hammer of one of them and not the other. Otherwise identical. Dont really get the hammer difference either as they are only 90 apart from one another according to their serial numbers (both A141xxx)

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Old 08-05-2018, 08:15 AM
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Here is early model 39 shipped 1959. I know it has short safety lever & long extractor. If anyone sees any other nuances please point them out.






My steel frame Model 39 in 63K serial number range.



Then there is this variant..! Devel Full house conversion of the Model 39-2 by Charles Kelsey of mid 1970s.

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Old 08-05-2018, 08:57 AM
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Here is early model 39 shipped 1959. I now it has short safety lever & long extractor. If anyone sees any other nuances please point them out.
Mike, that's a nice one, but what is / was the one in the upper right of the 4 photo box with the short duck-tail and the long safety lever ? Sal

Bob Freilich's (Tired Gunsmith) pre-39 was also shipped to Rex but in November 1955. Rex was just about "the" NYC gunshop mostly for LEOs and those special chosen few that had Concealed "Carry" Permits in the City of NY.
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Old 08-05-2018, 11:53 AM
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Mike, that's a nice one, but what is / was the one in the upper right of the 4 photo box with the short duck-tail and the long safety lever ? Sal


Sal it looks like that might the the Steel Frame model 39 from the pic in post above and compared it to the photo of the 4. But that still leaves me with 1 unaccounted for in that post. I looked through my inventory sheets and I have a couple of 39-2s but they are shooter grade. I do have a really nice 539.. but I am not sure that is one of them. Too long ago and the s/n in that post are obscure.
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Old 08-09-2018, 07:09 PM
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Talking Odd Model 39 A prefix in the 120000 range

A recent acquisition which found it's way to me through a friend.

Currently on its way to a new home is a VERY late serial number model 39, SN: A120184. It is 1 of only 3 known in the highest known serial numbered model 39s. The other 2 are a consecutive set owned by another member. This one is another consecutive serial numbered to his 2.

This means it is properly stamped "MODEL 39" and it has all the correct features of a model 39, not a mix-and-match combo with both 39 and 39-2 "DNA".

The majority of "transition sightings" of the model 39 / 39-2 are mostly in or nearer the 110000 range.

There are many others peculiar 39/39-2s out there. All you have to do is look carefully and beware of mixed parts guns that (more than likely) had parts switched AFTER it left the factory. This is the most difficult to determine at times is whether it is CORRECT as it was shipped from the factory, when new ... or ... it was Bubba-ed somewhere down the line.

This one is 10,000+/- serial numbers higher than the highest MODEL 39 I have ever seen or owned, however, this one has an " A " prefix, well into the 39-2 serial numbers yet, it is a "true" MODEL 39.

Speculation of whether a special order or, somewhere at S&W they found a hand full of 39s they overlooked or, just another piece of hard proof that it "seems" S&W never threw anything away that could be sold ... and ... more evidence of shipping / numbering inconsistencies.

Pretty neat, I think.

When it arrives I will take more pictures but until then, enjoy these.
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File Type: jpg A120184 (2).jpg (58.9 KB, 96 views)
File Type: jpg A120184 (1).jpg (62.7 KB, 111 views)
File Type: jpg A120184 (SN LARGE).jpg (10.7 KB, 104 views)
File Type: jpg A120184 (4).jpg (54.7 KB, 72 views)
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  #106  
Old 08-09-2018, 09:52 PM
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A recent acquisition which found it's way to me through a friend.

Currently on its way to a new home is a late serial number MODEL 39, SN: A120184.

It is 10,000+/- serial numbers higher than the highest MODEL 39 I have ever seen or owned, however, this one has an " A " prefix, well into the 39-2 serial numbers but is a "true" MODEL 39.

Speculation of whether a special order or at S&W they found a hand full of 39s in the back of the vault or just another piece of hard proof that it "seems" S&W never threw anything away that they could sell ... and ... shipping / numbering inconsistencies.

There are only 2 others known exactly like this one. Those 2 are a consecutive set owned by another member. This one is another consecutive serial numbered to his 2.

Pretty neat, eh ?

When it arrives I will take more pictures but until then, enjoy.
Very nice example. I would think special order if there are only 3 with consecutive numbers. But only Roy Jinks probably can tell you.
Also... I would say that 3 consecutive S/Ns would be better than 2. Maybe you want to keep it, but maybe it's worth more to the holder of the other 2 s/n Model 39s? Or worth inquiring if someone wanted to sell 2? I am really not trying to start a war but if it were me I would at least ask the question.. either way really.. you buy two or he buys 1. That would be an awesome collectors display. I have 2 Air weight Centennials (Pre-model 42s) with s/ns just 1 number apart. I have looked for years now for that middle gun. If I could find it I know I would be attempting to purchase it.
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Old 08-09-2018, 10:37 PM
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I have 2 Air weight Centennials (Pre-model 42s) with s/ns just 1 number apart. I have looked for years now for that middle gun. If I could find it I know I would be attempting to purchase it.
Perhaps you haven't asked nice enough if someone has the missing link ?

Email me the SN you seek.
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Old 08-10-2018, 01:23 PM
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According to my notes, the Jack Webb Model 39 was on display at the Los Angeles U.S.O. On the death of Jack Webb the gun was picked up by the family, and from my source, had no interest in selling it.For those of you looking for special serial numbers try this one. Rock Island Auction (May 5&6,2002)Serial number 39, steel frame, maple grips, nickel finish.
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Old 08-10-2018, 02:52 PM
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The Hold on the update of the 39 Monograph is a lot of new information has come available. Mr, Scott Meadows has published U.S, Military Automatic Pistols 1945-2012, Which includes a lot of new information on the development of the Model 39s. I now have the early Pre 39 development pistol serial number X-107. All of which needs to be included.
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Old 08-10-2018, 05:29 PM
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According to my notes, the Jack Webb Model 39 was on display at the Los Angeles U.S.O. On the death of Jack Webb the gun was picked up by the family, and from my source, had no interest in selling it.For those of you looking for special serial numbers try this one. Rock Island Auction (May 5&6,2002)Serial number 39, steel frame, maple grips, nickel finish.
Richard, Pertaining to the 39 Steel frame, nickel finish, at the May 2002 auction ... is / was that one of yours at one time or currently ? thank you. Sal
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Old 08-10-2018, 10:39 PM
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The best thing about this post is to see all the members weigh in with the information they have and their willingness to share not only this information but the guns themselves. I am intrigued by Sal's pre 39 s/n 1021 and it's experimental extractor. I was able to look at this gun up close and personal during a visit to Sal in Florida. It is definitely one of a kind as is his steel frame double stack 39-2 s/n 62771. By all accounts, this gun shouldn't exist. When he showed me this gun at the 2017 Symposium, I couldn't put it down. I had the honor of meeting our own 39 Guru Richard McMillan at the 2018 symposium and was fascinated not only by his collection but his willingness to discuss them. He allowed some of us to hold his experimental prototypes s/n X104 & X142. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Someday I'll take a real close look at my series of 39's and note the differences in them. One thing that has remained consistent with S&W guns is they continued to manufacture pistols with minor variations well into the 439, 539 and 639 series. Guns in the those models have variations in trigger guards (round or square) , sights (wing or no wing), extractors (short or long 39-2 style). I can attest to that as I have at least one of each variation. This is certainly what makes collecting so interesting and sometimes confusing.

P.S. I heard a rumor that a pre 39 s/n 13 does exist. Perhaps Roy can enlighten us.
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Old 08-12-2018, 12:06 AM
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Talking Pre-39 #1130 shipped to Evaluators, LTD in Quanatico, VA

I've owned serial number 1130 for over 20 years. When I purchased it, it was accompanied by the correct box, but no papers , ... and ... a very old letter from S&W, probably in the beginning when Roy started responding to the historical inquiries in the 1970s or shortly thereafter.

The letter indicates the serial number and a short description with the ship date of November 8, 1955 but makes no mention of "to whom" it had been shipped.

Excellent S&WHF research (all thanks to Bill Cross) shows it shipped to Evaluators LTD. in Quantico, VA. I only learned this today.

While the primary sales and services provided by Evaluators was for military personnel, and it is likely it had been sold to someone in the military, that is not a guarantee it had (in fact) been sold to a US Serviceman, but it sure raises the probability.

I cleaned it once, over 20 years ago, then packed it away for long term storage. I never actually "examined" it. I will now, just to see if there are any unique markings under the stocks or underside of slide, etc.

What I understand about Evaluators, LTD is they catered mainly to the military and FBI and were safety oriented. Every firearm they sold was completely examined for safe function, regardless that it was brand new at the time. I have yet to see this in writing anywhere but SOMEWHERE I did see an enclosure slip, I believe it was on an old Combat Masterpiece, that was inserted in the box of that gun from Evaluators, which claimed something similar.

Any factual comments on Evaluators, LTD is appreciated.

I've been running 3 letter requests per week for the past month or so, hoping I come up with at least ONE, General Officer's pistol.

This is the closest I've come to a G.O. pistol, and, IT "IS" CLOSE but "NO CIGAR".
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Old 08-13-2018, 12:20 AM
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Question Pre production SN 13 fiction or myth ?

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P.S. I heard a rumor that a pre 39 s/n 13 does exist. Perhaps Roy can enlighten us.
The ledger sheet Roy provided to the members was stated to be pre-issue 9mm autos that were thought (or "rumored") to be given out as promotional gifts. Roy produced a ledger page which was in response to a question I posed, which was stated to represent all of the pre-issue promotional SNs except Jack Webb's #714.

Upon closer examination of that ledger sheet, the several listed all had ... what appeared to be ... ship dates and regular serial numbers withing the normal SN range. Dates ranging from 1950s to 1970s.

I discussed this with Kevin Williams and is currently under review but seems to be exactly as it describes, just 9mms, within the normal serial number range, that have some special significance or went to special S&W customers.

And .... the pre-production 9mm SN: #13 that was supposed to be Roy Jinks', seems to actually be a special order 39-2 SN: 000013 delivered to Roy on October 17, 1975, currently in Richard McMillan's collection, and not a pre-production 9mm or production issue pre-39.

I corresponded with Richard McMillan who added a valid point of conjecture to that Pre-39 SN: 13 story (rumor). Richard offered for consideration that Roy did not work for S&W in 1955 (I actually though he had) when it would have been ordered, commissioned or authorized, Roy began working for S&W years later and not in a higher ranking position until a few years more. (perhaps not exact words but very similar)

This is just my own speculation, however, it seems the only verified serial numbers lower than 1001 is Jack Webb's SN: 714, plus any of the surviving experimental and development (R&D) models X-serial numbers.

1001 through 1020, included all / some or promotional models with some of those being shipped to the U.S. Military.
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Old 08-13-2018, 02:02 PM
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Sal,
Thanks for the fact finding. Sounds like another rumor can be put to bed. Richard McMillan had the model 39-2 serial # 0013 at the Reno show and noted it had previously belonged to Roy Jinks.
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Old 08-13-2018, 06:36 PM
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Sal,
Thanks for the fact finding. Sounds like another rumor can be put to bed. Richard McMillan had the model 39-2 serial # 0013 at the Reno show and noted it had previously belonged to Roy Jinks.
I could be wrong but this story about the pre-issue 9mms (serial numbered at 1000 and under, excluding R&D and experimental X prefix guns) has been around so long and (until recently) resurrected only sporadically. Now, with the aid of the internet, has grown wings and a turbo.

Who knows where it started, what facts (if any) were originally accumulated to support it, who enhanced it as it came down through the years and how many variations this story took ?

I believe the only way to prove ANYTHING is to support it with physical evidence. In this matter, either S&W records and or one of the pre-issue serial numbered pistols in the "flesh" (metal). So far of any serial number of 1000 or lower, seems 714 to Jack Webb is the only provable exemplar.

Additionally, my gut instinct tells me ... if Mac doesn't own one, Kevin hasn't seen one, and, no other 39 collector has one, they likely do not exist. But finding S&Ws that are not supposed to exist is what we live for, so keep trying to prove my theory incorrect. However, until an authenticated exemplar surfaces (other than 714) I think it is just one of many S&W fairy tales flying around out there in hyperspace.
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Old 08-23-2018, 03:34 AM
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Default A 2623 Juxtaposed with a 2732

What are they?

What are the differences below? One difference really ain't that big.



I've got more, later.

Now.Mustl. Sleep.
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Old 08-23-2018, 01:13 PM
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Any factual comments on Evaluators, LTD is appreciated.
I came across just one reference on them while I was doing research on the Highway Patrolman (Model 28) revolver. To quote from my article in the Blue Press (November 2015):

"The name change to 'Highway Patrolman' [from just 'Patrolman'] was widely reputed to be at the suggestion of Mrs. Florence (Flora) Van Orden of Evaluators, Ltd., located near Quantico, Virginia."

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Old 08-23-2018, 06:15 PM
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Sal, and all... The story of the Van Ordens is a real tale of one of our great families!! A couple of years ago the NRA did a nice write up on them. Reference to Evaluators Ltd is in the story here: Shooting Sports USA | Gunpowder In Their Blood: Four Generations Of George Van Orden

This story originally was published in "Leatherneck" magazine.

Sal.... Speaking of "Leatherneck" magazine, here is an advertisement for Evaluators from a 1952 issue of that magazine:



As you can see, the business was alive and well in Quantico back then, under the direction of General Van Orden!!

Best Regards, Les
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Old 08-23-2018, 09:20 PM
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DCW, I can see a few differences simply in the one picture.

One has a model number, the other does not. One has the short safety and early stock panel with no cut-out for a longer lever and also has no emblem in the stock.

You can also see that the spacing for the lettering isn't consistent between the two pistols. And although it could simply be a bit of photograph trickery... I would say the tang size/shape/length isn't the same between the two pistols.

And that's just the left side we can see!
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Old 08-23-2018, 09:42 PM
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Sal, and all... The story of the Van Ordens is a real tale of one of our great families!! A couple of years ago the NRA did a nice write up on them. Reference to Evaluators Ltd is in the story here: Shooting Sports USA | Gunpowder In Their Blood: Four Generations Of George Van Orden

This story originally was published in "Leatherneck" magazine.

Sal.... Speaking of "Leatherneck" magazine, here is an advertisement for Evaluators from a 1952 issue of that magazine:



As you can see, the business was alive and well in Quantico back then, under the direction of General Van Orden!!

Best Regards, Les
Hey, Les. What a great piece of research. Thanks very much. Sal
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Old 08-24-2018, 02:09 AM
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What are they?

What are the differences below? One difference really ain't that big.



I've got more, later.

Now.Mustl. Sleep.
On 2732, pull the stocks, see if there are markings under the stocks. I saw that one on GB last month, had a suspicion it may have been a warranty re-frame at one time from the long duck tail and extended safety lever (also the straw colored slide stop). Curious to know details.
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Old 08-25-2018, 09:02 PM
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Default Two 39s

Model 39, S/N 6180
Acquired a couple of years ago from an Upstate N.Y. estate sale, this is a sweet Model 39 example. Immediate past, late owner's original invoice showed No. 6180 as costing $75.

Model 39, S/N 7495
This isn't this collector's first Model 39 rescue and doubtful is it being his last. As can be seen in the above, the bluing was somehow partially stripped from the slide. How and why is unknown inasmuch as the "usual suspects" don't seem to fit the damage.

Despite Ol' DC's age, he still retains sufficient brain space to learn anew.
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Old 08-25-2018, 09:57 PM
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Sal IIRC Model 39's in the 2800 serial range were shipping around April 1959,
The change to the longer "Tang" appears prior to them moving the slide serrations fwd,
cant quite tell from the pic but it looks like 2732 posted above appears to have the dust cover slot on the frame as well.
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Old 08-25-2018, 10:46 PM
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Hello Mr DC Williams, It's good to hear from you, it's been awhile. Here I am once again admiring your guns. Looks like we were both bidding on the same model 39 but Florida5thcalvary won. Nice buy. I just picked up a nice pre 39 myself. It has all the classic features a pre-39 should have. Here's a few pictures from the seller. I'll post a better one once I receive the gun.
P.S. this one even comes with the original box.
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File Type: jpg 127_2731-1.JPG (189.8 KB, 68 views)
File Type: jpg getPart (2).jpg (198.1 KB, 74 views)

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Old 08-25-2018, 11:23 PM
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Default Vive La Différence

Greetings to My Fellow Smith & Wesson Forum Metal-Head Members and Contributors . . .

. . . Offered are apologies for this user's delay, but between work and life's other requirements (the "Honey Do" jar, especially) I'm cataloging my Pre- and Model 39 collection. After the completion of that, I'll be doing my 39-2s.

With respect to discerning differences between the two pictured pistols: On the bottom left is Smith & Wesson Pre-39 No. 2623, which has been elsewhere posted in this forum in times past and was acquired from Mr. Roger Bain (rogerbain.com) more moons ago than I care to recall at this time. It included the proper box as well as the proper materials within.

Funny thing about it upon receipt: I looked at the sole accompanying 8-round magazine and wondered what and where acquired was that magazine and/or it's "weird" stamped-steel follower, thinking at the time the "skeleton" follower was "the first" or "earliest." Somewhat angered the seller had included a blatantly incorrect otherwise essential element, yours truly very nearly threw that magazine away but, thankfully, it remains with its corresponding firearm to this day. And, as is noted elsewhere (probably many times over), this collector's brain has room to learn new things, as he did not long afterward in the above matter.

Pictured to the upper right of Pre-2623 is Smith & Wesson Model 39, Serial No. 2732.

The significance: Not wishing to bore but worthy of being clearly stated, No 2623 is a "Pre" whereas No. 2732 is not. The latter was produced just 109 units (well, numerically, anyway) after the former. Although not as obvious but worthy of a mini sidebar of sorts, this collector recently came across No. 2732 years after No. 2623.

The significance of the two's proximity to one another to this collector is his longtime desire to close the firearm production gap following No. 2623, a "Pre-," and the "first" designated Model 39.

No. 2732 pretty well characterizes the intended, updated look of the Model 39 and departs from S&W's known tendency to as fully as possible utilize (safe) "leftover" parts of a model's previous manufacturing run - in this case, the "Pre-39" - at various times following the introduction of a "new" run, which in this case was Smith & Wesson finally providing a model number, "39," to its 9mm pistol and starting a new production run of that Model 39.

In Model 39, SN 2732's case the visual, external aspects included: A longer tang (spur) at the top of an updated backstrap; a longer safety lever and a corresponding cutout of the left-side grip to allow for that safety lever's increased operational arc and, (among still other, often very subtle changes) found atop the slide is a new forward-sight profile. A not-so-subtle but, interestingly, often overlooked is the new frame.

Posted earlier this evening in this thread were a couple of other four-digit 39s also in this collector's possession.

Speaking to an earlier assertion made of S&W's tendency of striving to at some point in time to entirely use parts, no matter whether intended for use in earlier versions, a look at S&W Model 39, SN 6180, will show its use of the smaller safety lever originally intended for use in what now is called "The Pre-39." Not only was the smaller lever employed in SN 6180 but so, too, used is the corresponding "straight top" left-side grip.

The differences in pistols one can sometimes find within a Model's run is among those things that make collecting enjoyable and, sometimes, quite profitable.

Now, back to posting more!

Later.
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Old 08-26-2018, 07:02 PM
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Yes, Cougar, I saw you in on the earlier action.

Sadly, I suppose, we sometimes inevitably will step on each other's toes . . . and I'd rather not. Indeed, have yielded a few when I've seen fellow members bid ahead of me.

This one, although not a Pre- was gonna be mine. Paid a nice chunk for it, too. And I'd do it again.

I'm glad you went on to even better numbers, scoring that nice Pre-, I see.

Nice to hear from you, Cougar. It's been awhile, huh?

"Work, work, work, work, work." The Guv, Blazing Saddles.

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Old 08-29-2018, 03:40 PM
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Hi,
Looking for some info on why a m39 would have a barrel marked 9x21. I assume this means it was made for the European market? Or another reason perhaps? Thanks
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Old 08-29-2018, 06:20 PM
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I have a very late 39-2 with German proofs, marked on breech,
9mm para.
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Old 08-29-2018, 06:23 PM
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I believe the 9x21 was intended specifically for the Italian market. The modern and extremely rare 952-3 has a 9x21 barrel and is so marked.

That particular seller (where I will guess you saw the 9x21 Model 39) has a handful of 39's!
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Old 08-29-2018, 06:51 PM
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Thanks, does the 9x21 add to or distract from collectibility?
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Old 08-29-2018, 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by cougar015 View Post
Hello Mr DC Williams, It's good to hear from you, it's been awhile. Here I am once again admiring your guns. Looks like we were both bidding on the same model 39 but Florida5thcalvary won. Nice buy. I just picked up a nice pre 39 myself. It has all the classic features a pre-39 should have. Here's a few pictures from the seller. I'll post a better one once I receive the gun.
P.S. this one even comes with the original box.

We are all Gentlemen so I suggest we all follow the rules of the Marquess of Queensberry with an addition that NO blood be drawn during bidding.

Seriously, no one would intentionally want to injure another member but at the end of the day it's money that talks and everything else walks.

There's enough for everyone.
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Old 08-29-2018, 09:30 PM
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Any model that strays from the standard production is one of the "subculture" guns. I like the odd, different and lower production models.
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Old 08-29-2018, 09:48 PM
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We are all Gentlemen so I suggest we all follow the rules of the Marquess of Queensberry with an addition that NO blood be drawn during bidding.

Seriously, no one would intentionally want to injure another member but at the end of the day it's money that talks and everything else walks.

There's enough for everyone.
Sal,
DCW and I go way back as we are bonded by our mutual love for the model 39. I would relinquish any claim to a gun if he was bidding on it as I would for you. This is how respect works.
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Old 08-29-2018, 10:58 PM
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Sal,
DCW and I go way back as we are bonded by our mutual love for the model 39. I would relinquish any claim to a gun if he was bidding on it as I would for you. This is how respect works.
I agree, completely, however an auction is an auction. I'm simply stating that if someone outbids me, they deserve it. If it was a shill trying to boost me, then I would not like that.

Just because I put an early bid in on something (which I rarely do) it's to mark my interest in it. If I do place and early tracer bid, it is only to prevent anyone else from getting angry if I win it however, it does not mean I have an exclusive on that auction where all other members should back off. If someone else bids after me, I have no hard feelings what so ever. It happens.

I was on that same gun SN 2732 Model 39, but I surmised it could perhaps be a re-frame (which it may or may not be) because of the long duck tail on the frame, the much newer slide with the long safety release and to a lesser degree the straw colored slide stop. I found it to be interesting, to a certain value (to me) with my knowledge of that specific M39, at that time. It was obviously worth a higher value to someone else for whatever his reasons were (which is none of my business).

We spoke, I explained I was all in at $1000. This communication between 2 of more interested members is the respect I think you're describing.
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Old 08-29-2018, 11:16 PM
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Model 39, S/N 6180
Acquired a couple of years ago from an Upstate N.Y. estate sale, this is a sweet Model 39 example. Immediate past, late owner's original invoice showed No. 6180 as costing $75.

Model 39, S/N 7495
This isn't this collector's first Model 39 rescue and doubtful is it being his last. As can be seen in the above, the bluing was somehow partially stripped from the slide. How and why is unknown inasmuch as the "usual suspects" don't seem to fit the damage.

Despite Ol' DC's age, he still retains sufficient brain space to learn anew.
I have a spare box SN: 7195. Close, but no "Cohiba". Although, if you have a white lacquer pencil you're in like Flynn.
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Old 08-30-2018, 07:23 AM
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Good God, I almost had a stroke when I saw your spare box for 7195!! I thought that was my 7175 box! How close is that?! Man! Are you sure that xx9x isn’t a 7?!

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Old 08-30-2018, 07:23 PM
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Thanks, does the 9x21 add to or distract from collectibility?"(and etc., before and after)
I've pondered the very same since first seeing that particular firearm weeks ago. Notice it's had no takers in that period of time and, since it went off the board on 29 Aug., hasn't re-listed.

Here's my concerns with the firearm:
NO BOX - A really rich price for a no-box gun. Others offered of same construct in the last couple of weeks saw high-price sales @ around the same price BUT . . .
FINISH - it's really, really good. You know, perhaps such wouldn't be unusual had the lister's other Model 39s didn't also look pristine or close to such, even though they, too, have no box to offer. It's been my experience that rare is the next-to-pristine or better gun finish when the manufacturer's original box is unavailable. Still, the finish, while decent looking, just lacks the, uh, "class" of a first-rate S&W bluing - even should that bluing be an original, 50-or-60 year-old bluing. It is this collector's opinion that offered are refinished guns, whether done 10 years ago or 10 weeks ago. And THAT definitely diminshes a value.
ISRAELI - The proofs are Israeli. There's no reason to think the worse of something for being Isreali. But there are a HUGE number of Isreali guns suddenly making their way to the US market. I'm curious as to why, naturally, but I'm just as interested in what else may be on the near horizon coming in from that land. Just in the last five days Robertson Trading, which has been around for awhile and has a decent reputation in Ol' DC's eyes, listed an "Israeli" Model 39 at auction with (surprise!!) a "Duracoat refinish." "Something is happening here; what it is ain't exactly clear . . ." (with all due respect to Stephen Stills)
CALIBER - My copy of The Blue Book Ammo Encyclopaedia says the 9x21 cartridge (an Israeli design) is "obsolete." Just two weeks ago I checked to see if any 9x21 was available on the market and yes, yes it is. Only the place which said it had eight boxes didn't have even one on hand and wondered aloud as to how the 9x21 was even on their Website in the first place. "It isn't Parabellum, right?" Ol' DC fielded while speaking over his handheld portable radio. Such doesn't exactly portend plentiful 9x21 ammunition stocks to me.
ALL OF THE ABOVE isn't to say this collector wouldn't buy the firearm, but I'm only willing to do so at roughly the present price if allayed are my concerns and fears. OTHERWISE, the price will have to come down somewhere around $600 to $1k to offset those fears sufficiently to, well, allay those fears.

Later.
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Old 08-30-2018, 09:50 PM
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Interesting indeed, I to noticed around 5 steel frames come up for sale in the past month or 2 and only seen maybe 2 in the past 2-3 yrs, like a bunch of the 937some just fell out of the sky given and given the variables of each I want to say they went for 2k, 2600, 1600, 1400(I almost went for it) then the one you mention at 1999. Thanks for the insight and I totally agree. Want one, w/box, one day.
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Old 08-31-2018, 12:48 AM
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I posted this in another thread but it really fits best here.
Pre Model 39 SN 2219. Its' not a great photo as I took with cell phone in bad light.



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Old 08-31-2018, 05:10 AM
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Cell phone image or no: "Wow!"

Later.
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Old 08-31-2018, 05:13 AM
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I like the way you put it.

Later.
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Old 09-22-2018, 05:03 AM
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A bump, for study of placement of 4, 5 and 6 digit serial numbers centered over MODEL 39 marking.
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Old 10-13-2018, 05:09 PM
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A 39-2 is on it's way and is the first one I have I have had in 30+ years. The Browning HP was getting too heavy for a daily carry gun and was looking for a lighter piece. Found # A 164874 recently and am anxiously awaiting for it to land at my LGS. Condition is an honest 97%. Has PAT'S PENDING on the slide and 9MM CTG on the barrel hood, hole in hammer and figure 8 mag follower. No box or docs. Photos will follow once it is in my possession.


Finally got around to picking up the 39-2. Photos are below.






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Old 10-22-2018, 01:08 PM
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Photos added
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Old 11-14-2018, 04:44 PM
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Does anyone recall seeing a pic of a S&W auto presented to Jack Webb,
"Dragnet" with sn 741?
You probably mean "714." That was his badge number. (I wonder if he was a baseball fan?)
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Old 11-15-2018, 05:11 PM
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I just got my first 39-2 a couple weeks ago and I really like it. It's from 1972 and shoots great. I just can't believe how expensive the original mags are. And it's now my second favorite next to my 28-2. I'm a revo guy but I got this gun initially for the nostalgia factor. I used to sell cop equipment when I was a kid in the late 70s and this was one of them.

From what I remember, police back then still mostly carried revolvers; the semis were just coming into their own. We sold a few 39s, some 59s, and occasionally a Hi-Power or Colt 1911. But for the most part it was still revolvers. I can also reload 9mm so I'm able to customize rounds for a little variety. Anyway, I really enjoy this forum and reading up on the 39s, regardless of version.
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Old 11-15-2018, 06:56 PM
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The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture.  
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That 741 mis-key will haunt me for ever!
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Old 11-15-2018, 07:47 PM
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The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture.  
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Quote:
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That 741 mis-key will haunt me for ever!
You must've been mixing that up with the Indian motorcycle Model 741.
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Old 11-21-2018, 04:46 AM
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The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture.  
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Default A Steely Bunch

Scored by yours truly since 01 October are five Smith & Wesson Steel Model 39s, the below being four among them. You know, come to think of it, I might've scored six of 'em. I'm telling you, "old" isn't all it's been cracked up to be.



The above hasn't a handling mark on it anywhere. None. Nada. Zip. Zero.



And to think, yours truly had absolutely no Steel M39s in his collection before 01 October. Since then scored have been the aforementioned as well as four Pre-39s. I'll upload pics on those ASAP, but they won't be in this post. I'm a tired old guy right now.



Next up is the only Steel M39 about which admited is its actual price, or thereabouts. You know: hang tag, historical document and all that stuff.



It, too, is without sin . . . er . . . handmarks. Or dust marks. Or greasy fingered five-year-old's marks.

Man, I do enjoy this collecting thing.

Later.
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Old 11-22-2018, 10:12 AM
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The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture. The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture.  
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Default For the love of

You can’t have enough 39s and 39 is a great time in life
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