Lets talk about model 39s

[gmborkovic]

I mean the ones from 1958 to about 1970. Not including that transitional period just prior to the std. 39-2. Thats a whole other
study. Im working from observations, SDRs, and 39s for sale.
And Sns. I have recorded. The highest four digit I have is 8000.
Then it seems to jump to 30,000 then 60,000 and finally 80,000.
Please help me out and just contribute with Sns. Im not an
expert, just an old guy whose Dad got one as a gift from a patient back in 1959. Im no expert, just a student who has observed and read. Im also self-quarantined down in FL. They closed the bars up at the beach and closed the top-less beach at the north end of town. Mike

[Sevens]

Can you go to the topless beach with a top and no bottoms?!

The 52’s started in 1961 at 50000 and they reportedly made 3,500 of the no-dash however I have seen 52 no-dash guns with serial numbers beyond 53500, so either they skipped a few or they scrapped a few frames or someone went funny with the numbers.

I have never seen any 39 in the 4xxxx or 5xxxx range, ever. Nor have I seen one with a leading 7 or 9.

My lone 39 no-dash is a 31xxx, and a handsome pistol. It is not dead mint but I’d call it high grade. I’ve not ever shot the pistol. I know that I oughta and one day I will.

[gmborkovic]

Sevens, are you trying to get me dinged? The lady from Canada that I met, that all top-less were OK, but bottoms were required.
OK, back to subject. Agree with your observations. Now, another interesting observation. The steel frames were least encountered in the 30K series. More plentiful in the 60K and sparse in the 80K? Have you or any student kept track? Thanks for input. Mike
It was a great strip of beach and will return!
What is your name?

[Sevens]

Haha, you won’t find me on that beach!

As far as I have heard, there hasn’t been a steel frame in the 3xxxx series, only later in the 6 and 8. But we shouldn’t ask me, I know precious little in 39 lore compared to you and others.

I do know that you can SEE a steel frame with no weight check nor magnet, as the grip tang looks very similar but noticeably different, albeit slightly so.