I have been interested in the early mod-39, four digits, but
have not keep any data. They seem to be a mix of the pre 39s and the new model. If you wish to contribute pls. Post or PM. I only have two so far sitting on the bench. Thanks.

5408 no goodies ship 7-58
8000 no goodies ship 2-24-59

Thanks, Mike

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Mike, what happened to your survival list?

I know you were tracking pre-39 but not sure if early 39s were included.

Also, we had a discussion in one of the threads about when the flat follower mags were superseded by the figure 8 (stamped steel) followers.

I purchased a Model 39 SN 6183, that arrived yesterday. It is in the original numbered box with the green booklet. Overall, gun, box, booklet all an easy 95%. (95%+ condition on gun, 95%+condition on the box, 95%+ condition of the green & white booklet).

It just had dried up oil or something on it that made it look dull and bit gritty. So far I only disassembled it, sprayed with WD40 to wipe off the dried up oil (or may have even been RIG) with a soft cloth. Later on I'll give it a good cleaning and a waxing.

It came with 2 flat follower magazines in the box. The frame is not the pre-39 type. It is the next version with the longer dove-tail on the back.

Even though I have no history on the M39, I take the entire package as completely original. If anything I would expect someone to swap out the flat follower mags for the figure 8s, then sell the flat follower mags separately. The flat follower mags have to be worth at least $200-$300 each, perhaps more. I have seen the green & white booklets go for as high as $500 in pristine condition. Last one I witnessed was 1998 S&W annual show in San Antonio at the Club Auction. Ray Brazille (RIP) donated one to the club and IIRC, it sold for $500. What it might bring now, who knows ? More? Less ? There just aren't many of them.

So, up to SN 6183 it still had the green & white booklet and the flat follower magazines. If we have any other members that can attest to this, to confirm we can better formulate about when the booklets went away (the black & white with green accenting part sheet replaced it, then after a few years just the B&W parts sheet). Also, when the longer dove tail was introduced and better calculate when the flat follower magazines went away.

Oh, I checked Kevin Williams' book on GO Pistols. 6183 is not listed in Kevin's book as a known GO pistol but I'll be sending for a letter anyway just to determine where it went.

Best Regards, Sal Raimondi (Sr.)

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

Im still working on the flat follower and green booklet question. I got
#5408, shipped 7-58, last week with two flat ramped followers, not the early stepped follower like the P-38, a nice Green booklet in an odd un-marked blue large box. The brass threaded brush was stuck in the muzzle. Odd! My #8000 came with two long mag. plates that are double marked with figure 8 followers. Im still looking at when the cut out military mags were offered. Work in progress. I know one thing, that doggone guy that started that Seductive 39 Thread is responsible for the prices going skyhigh. Do you know the guy? Later. Mike

__________________
Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member