59 serial numbers

[inimicalone]

Hey all,
I was curious about how model 59's were numbered.
Thanks in advance.

 

[inimicalone]

It looks like A2615xx.
Any clue if that's even possible?

 

[Sevens]

Of course, not sure why you find that SN odd for a Model 59. Likely 1975 says the fantastic SCSW 4th by Supica & Nahas.

 

[inimicalone]

After further research, I realize it was a silly question. I thought they all had multiple alpha prefixes.

 

[Sevens]

The three alpha SN prefix started in 1980 with the L-frame revolver debut (581, 586, 681, 686 models) and they didn't start using the three alpha on semi-auto pistols until perhaps about 1984, I think?

I wouldn't call it a silly question, just a little funny that you thought something was out of the ordinary. I think the earliest 59's were from about 1971 and as far as I am aware, no Model 59 ever wore a three alpha SN prefix, but I could be mistaken.

It does seem a little odd to me that the 59 always had it's model and SN stamped in the odd, forward location.

Interestingly enough... the extremely rare Model 147A has it stamped in the more typical location!

 

[gmborkovic]

My data base indicates A170000-A747407 shipped July 1982 as the inclusive serial number range for the Mod-59.

 

[oberon]

I check in here from time to time.
I am on Colt forum daily.
There is a 'new'(ish) model 59 in my pile as of this afternoon.
Ser#A404943.
I am thinkin' it is a 1978, but I really have no way of knowing for certain. Somebody on here ought to be able to confirm.
I will get some pics up as soon as I can produce some.

 

[jmace57]

Oberon - SCSW shows 1977-78 for A385001 to A475000

 

[Sevens]

My best guess is mid to late 1977.

 

[snw19_357]

It does seem a little odd to me that the 59 always had it's model and SN stamped in the odd, forward location.

Interestingly enough... the extremely rare Model 147A has it stamped in the more typical location!

Look at the width of the frame by the slide stop on the 59 vs the 2nd and 3rd gen 59 series. The 147A was a test for the Model 559 so was wider in front of the slide stop too.

 

[Sevens]

I haven't looked that closely at my 59, I'm going to do exactly that the next time I'm in front of my safe!

 

[oberon]

'new' model 59

Thanks for the information. I was close, but I defer to those who actually know these things.
1977 model 59. Original box & papers, 4 magazines, plus 2 extra for reasonable cost.

 

[Sevens]

Look at the width of the frame by the slide stop on the 59 vs the 2nd and 3rd gen 59 series. The 147A was a test for the Model 559 so was wider in front of the slide stop too.

As promised, I pulled my near mint 59 from the safe and I love it! Like we often say, it's amazing how often we can pick up something completely new that we weren't aware of before. "Learn something new every day!"

I've been a Smith & Wesson 1-2-3rd Gen guy since the 1990's and until you said it, no clue that the 59 frame thickness was so much different than the 659/5906.

Now, with all that said--
If we look at where the 39/39-2 is stamped with Model number and SN, I really see no reason why they elected to go all the way forward to the dust cover for the Model 59. And just take a gander at the Model 59's much smaller font for model number and SN, it would have fit beautifully on the frame, just a tick forward of where they put it on every Model 39/39-2.

Don't get me wrong... in fact, the odd location of the 59 model number and SN are calling cards of the model and I like, but you might admit that it adds some intrigue in to the thought process during the early production of the model.

Gotta love S&W. For fans of twists, minutiae and obscure nuggets of trivia, does any gunmaker rival Smith & Wesson?

 

[41 Rambo]

Model 59

Thanks for the information. I was close, but I defer to those who actually know these things.
1977 model 59. Original box & papers, 4 magazines, plus 2 extra for reasonable cost.

I'm looking at one that appears to be very similar to the one pictured, but maybe a year or two newer based on the serail number. In used condition with 2 mag and nothing else; what would you estimate a fair price. Used in about 78% condition.

 

[VASCAR2]

Location seems to make a significant difference on going price. In a ban state with magazine restrictions the original 14 round model 59 might bring a premium. In california with a firearms registry has driven up prices. Here in Illinois in my area about $450 maybe 500.

 

[theflynn]

Model 59

I have a model 59 with serial number A177504. Can anyone tell me where to find the serial number lookup tool? I would like to know what year it was made.

 

[Sevens]

We don't actually have an online look-up tool like some gunmakers have.

We have a large book called The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson Jim Supica and Richard Nahas which just recently began shipping the 5th Edition.

So when folks ask on the forum, we tend to go to the book to look.

You can sometimes call or e-mail S&W for shipping date information, but with guns shipped before the three alpha prefix (explained in post #5 above) then contacting S&W usually doesn't work very well at all.

Early 1973 is what the book suggests for A177504.

And... welcome to the forum!

 

[theflynn]

Model 59 serial number

Thanks for the reply. That info I already new. As S & W were using the same number sequence for several models at the same time, I was curious as to where in the model 59 was in the production line. How many 59’s before it. If they only produced 5600 in the first two years, I’m thinking it is, at the least, among the first 5000 produced. Don’t have a box for mine but have a leather holster and magazine case with “combat” stamped on them.