A few Forum members were interested in what the S&W Historical Foundation letter had to say about this 659. According to the letter, as several of you opined, the grips and presentation case were both aftermarket additions. The original grips were the standard black plastic. The S&WHF letter did not address my third question about the lanyard loop; that is, was this 659 intended for a military or police end buyer. But, the letter did indicate it was sent to a defense supply contractor in Laurel, Maryland, in April 1983, in a six unit order of this particular model S&W. Interesting facts: the US Army Ordnance Center at Aberdeen, Maryland, which is about 50 miles from Laurel, began testing 9mm semi-autos to replace the aging 1911 late in 1983. Read that S&W submitted 659s for that test, and possibly this group of six were the ones sent. Will probe the Army Ordnance Center for info, and would greatly appreciate any insights from Forum members who may know more of this story.

Peter