The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture.

Model 39

Help me with this one New in factory matching blue box with all the papers; sealed cleaning package, screw driver and extra hammer and stirrup enclosed in the package; white outline rear sight and front inlaid yellow insert; and serial number 86859. That number is in the middle of all the Air Force Officers gifts but not identified as such. I've had at least 10 different Model 39's, but none with all of these extras.

Thank You For Your Time Terry
 
TLflag said:
Help me with this one New in factory matching blue box with all the papers; sealed cleaning package, screw driver and extra hammer and stirrup enclosed in the package; white outline rear sight and front inlaid yellow insert; and serial number 86859. That number is in the middle of all the Air Force Officers gifts but not identified as such. I've had at least 10 different Model 39's, but none with all of these extras.

Thank You For Your Time Terry
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Could be original but could be someone cleaned it up and customized it a bit with the white outline rear, however, the yellow front insert is likely a faded red/orange front insert.

My son has a 39-2 at least 99% in the box with Millet Target sights. I'll add, exceptional perfectly installed Millet sights which require milling off the front sight that is integral on the slide. Makes it look like a hot target 39 on steroids.

Post a few pix of yours would help immensely.
 
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gmborkovic said:
Were the pre-39s and early mod-39s shipped from the factory with two mags? Had a discussions with a few collectors, and nobody had a definitive answer.
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Yes, Mike, both the pre 39s and the 39s had 2 mags included when new. It's all these years later the flat follower mags are so hard to find and so expensive that a seller might figure they'd get an extra $150-200 for the 2nd mag instead of including it with the gun.

Unfortunately, most of my pre-39s, even the few that were in the box with correct papers and manual(s), had only one mag.

The only complete pre-39 that came with 2 mags, the original box, correct green & white manual and many other extras that were included was Bob Freilich's (the Tired Gunsmith) pre 39 when I purchased it a few years back. WHAT A GUY !! Thank you Bob, if you're reading this. Sal Raimondi

PS: some bonus info ... the 52A in .38AMU came with 2 mags which are unique to only that model gun. They appear similar to a Model 52 mag except the follower has a "hook" on the rear end tab. The 52A had no papers, what so ever, except the warranty certificate and perhaps an advertising brochure (e.g. S&W holsters or ammo etc). For the very limited production of the 52A, S&W didn't bother printing a manual nor parts sheet, etc.
 
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So, the pre 39s came with two flat follower mags, but thru the years one mag may have been held back by some greedy or unscrupulous seller. Or both mags with held and two figure 8 followers substituted for the flat follower mags? If you have any flat follower mags for sale or know of some , please PM me. Im looking at a very nice boxed mid range pre-39 example located in Ohio that needs some flat followers mags.
 
gmborkovic said:
What a great Thread. Lots to learn and I hope there are more posts to keep this alive. Mike
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Yes this is a great M39 read, so to keep it going... I just scored on a 39-2 in 7.65mm(30 Luger). Haven’t heard about this one in the thread yet. It didn’t come with a box, but I think a gun made in US, sent to Germany to get a 7.65 barrel refit, sent to Italy to be sold commercially and then make it back to the states, would be hard pressed to still have its original box, no worries- in this case I am thrilled to have just found the gun for my collection!! Pics when I get it in hand.
Keith
 
Yeah, I just discussed this on another thread with someone, Mike. Since then, it looks like $40 + HIS is about the floor, from what I've been able to find. :eek:

I'd really like to get a couple of plain old steel bottom, black follower stainless mags for my 639 Franken-Smith. I paid $45+ HIS for the one I got (to get back to the "original" 2 that were included when new) but I hope I can stumble on one or two more at a bargain price... meanwhile I'll rob a couple from my 39-2 if I need them for an event or something. ;)

Froggie
 
Ok, I now finally have added a steel M39 to the collection!! Mint but no box, so Sal..anyone... look around and see if you have my box, I will buy it from you, cool serial number also: 62226 (pics when I get it and I’ll include the 7.65 m39 I just got also)
Happy m39 camper here!!!
Keith
 
Mr. Keith, you have been a busy collector. Steel and a .30 cal. all in one
week. I do not have any steel labeled boxes, unless there is a steel,
matching gun in it. That .30 cal. is a real treasure. Great snag. Mike
 
how is SN 62291 STEEL box with papers & tools

NDFRC said:
Ok, I now finally have added a steel M39 to the collection!! Mint but no box, so Sal..anyone... look around and see if you have my box, I will buy it from you, cool serial number also: 62226 (pics when I get it and I’ll include the 7.65 m39 I just got also)
Happy m39 camper here!!!
Keith
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Keith,

how is SN 62291 STEEL box with papers & tools? appx 85-90% condition. no cuts tears or stains.

Best Regards, Sal Raimondi, Sr.
 
I was pretty sure I had posted my article on the Model 39s - so I dug it up. It's more of an overview, and not much room to go into the tons of details that others more knowledgeable than I have at their fingertips, but it may throw some perspective on these remarkable pistols.

Here's the link to the posting I made some time ago -

John

The S&W Model 39 - book excerpt...
 
New 39 adds

Uh huh[/ATTACH]
NDFRC said:
Yes this is a great M39 read, so to keep it going... I just scored on a 39-2 in 7.65mm(30 Luger). Haven’t heard about this one in the thread yet. It didn’t come with a box, but I think a gun made in US, sent to Germany to get a 7.65 barrel refit, sent to Italy to be sold commercially and then make it back to the states, would be hard pressed to still have its original box, no worries- in this case I am thrilled to have just found the gun for my collection!! Pics when I get it in hand.
Keith
Click to expand...

Here they are.. steel, 30 Luger and the lnib nickel 39-2 I just got!
 

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gmborkovic said:
I have wondered if the factory sent blank barrels to Germany or if an independent barrel manufacturer was contracted.
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According to catalog #4, “the M39’s were sent to Germany without barrels”. Don’t know that answers the question though.
Keith
 
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