Early Model 59?

[ratrabbit]

I hope someone here may be able to help me, I don't own the catalog of manufacture dates. I have on the way what I believe to be a early production model 59, the serial number is A1725XX. I thought it was stainless from the picture, but if this model wasn't produced in SS it must be brushed nickel- its matte silver not shiny. Any help with date of manufacture would be appreciated

 

[rck281]

M59 production started on June 8, 1971 at serial number A170,000 according to Jinks book. However, I have never heard of an early one in brushed nickel. All that I am aware of were blue or bright nickel.

 

[armorer951]

Catalog puts it at 1972/73

1972, 73: A145801 - A174999

 

[ratrabbit]

Thanks for the replies. It may well have been refinished more recently, could even be a spray on finish I guess. Wont know until it gets here, may only be guessing then.

 

[ratrabbit]

I just picked the pistol up today and brought it home. I have done some research in the meantime and found an old listing on an auction site for a pistol that looked nearly identical to mine, described as an "employee special with brushed nickel finish" meaning it came from the factor that way. The bright nickel finished I have seen had blued trigger and controls, but mine and this one in the auction have brushed nickel trigger and controls. The gun in the auction is of the same serial number range as mine. So, I don't know what to think. I haven't taken the grips off yet to look for a "N", and I don't know how to tell brushed nickel from duracoat, etc. If its a spray-on finish its one of the best I have ever seen. Any ideas about how to tell actual nickel from a sprayed finish (I have never duracoated anything).

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Pictures would help...

 

[rck281]

If you think it's brushed nickel, get a letter.

 

[Chief-wahoo]

Pictures close detailed pictures.....

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

59 Nickle A1721XX Jan-74
Jinks/S&W for actual ship date

 

[ratrabbit]

I had a photobucket account, but it's been forever since I used it. I will post pics if I can figure out how it works again, that will take me some time. But I took the wrap-around pachmayer grips off and underneath them, the finish- whatever it is- is flaking off here and there. As if the edges of the grips rubbed or held chemicals that caused the flaking. The new grips I wanted to use are smaller and the flaking shows with them. So, its either refinish or perhaps return the pistol. Trying to figure/work that out now. I don't know enough about nickelled finishes to know if this is nickel or a spray-on finish of some kind.