FBI 459

[GG386]

Very, Very nice fuzzymcnab. Envious.

After seeing your labels, I just couldn't take it anymore and sadly (thankfully) was easily able to peel the 2nd label off...

It'll be tomorrow for a pic but the label underneath has 103004 (4590014903) on it, Spec Ord 4256.

That kinda makes me wonder if they took them out 12 days later and refinished them (4268-4256) or just gave them their own product code two weeks later (and then since the labels were [re]printed, a new Julian date).
The three numbers in the upper left on label #2 are 115 but on the first, 040...
The SCS&W 3rd does mention the 803 'FBI' guns but not product code 103011.


Yes. Attached is the 04/04/85 letter from LSI to Valley Gun Distributors talking about the '803 non-glare blue 459s' but they only list 385 serial numbers...where (what) are the other 418??

I noted that as well (lack of 103011)

Did you notice that all of these in this thread have a yellow sharpie mark underneath the serial? The letter references 803 units, that's a lot of guns to buy in one lot, no less the same model! What's the chance of a block letter and changed the vendor name as they were shipped out from the factory? Nothing like a good old S&W conspiracy.........

 

[snw19_357]

One higher, with my serial slightly higher than your second pic

...and fuzzymcnab has one with one lower.

Did you notice that all of these in this thread have a yellow sharpie mark underneath the serial?

Yes. But why?

The letter references 803 units, that's a lot of guns to buy in one lot, no less the same model! What's the chance of a block letter and changed the vendor name as they were shipped out from the factory? Nothing like a good old S&W conspiracy.........

Makes sense to me. Especially since the letter mentions they were considering using this finish as standard on future 459s. Why send them all to just one distributor on one end of the country? You'd get a better feel if you spread them out.

Also, mine is NOT one of them listed in the letter. I'd love to see another version of this letter made out to another distributor with mine listed.
fuzzymcnab and GG386, are yours listed on it?

I'm going to have to letter mine. I am now extremely curious where it went.

I also think this letter is the perfect illustration that S&W did not use serial numbers in order and to exhaustion. The group sent to Valley Gun is not A881000-A881384, it spans A880994~A881956 and there are a lot of gaps.

Also (), 0994-1956 is over 960 of them. If there were only 803, what are the others? Standard blue 459s or even other models?

 

[shawn mccarver]

If you look at the serial # on the 1st pic that 357 posts, it is an earlier number which mean that it should have a smaller 4 digit for the spec. ord., but it's not.............

S&W did not necessarily complete guns in serial number order, so that is not necessarily the case.

 

[GG386]

...and fuzzymcnab has one with one lower.


Yes. But why?




Also, mine is NOT one of them listed in the letter. I'd love to see another version of this letter made out to another distributor with mine listed.
fuzzymcnab and GG386, are yours listed on it?

Mine is on the list and there was a copy of the letter in the box

S&W did not necessarily complete guns in serial number order, so that is not necessarily the case.

Makes sense, S&W is not alone on doing this

 

[fuzzymcnab]

Hi Guys.

Sorry for the slow response; December is my busiest month.
Don't mind sharing cost. I paid $1250 for the pair.
Regarding grip stickers, I am afraid these won't get shot. I dont think the owner ever did, so I am going to leave them that way.
If I did not mention it before, I sent off a letter request to Roy as soon I as bought them. Will post as soon as I get.
Both of my guns are on the Valley gun list.
Thanks again to all. This is what I love about older smith autos. The history of certain guns just fascinates me. I think we need a S&W autos convention in Vegas so we can drink and talk pistols for 2 days.
fuzzy

 

[chief1911]

Finish codes

Can you help me out. You said the sixth digit is the finish code, then what is the B under Finish mean. Thanks

Right, a nylon. Now those I have seen (and have) on other 459s too. (but stocks can be swapped)


Good to hear it was confirmation and not contradiction.


Now that I think you have to expand on, and post pictures of!!

That sixth digit in the 10 digit product code is the finish.
If you look at the upper right corner of the label (below), you can see there's another label underneath. I've wondered if most have two labels also.

 

[jimbo728]

WOW.... jaw dropping consecutive special finish 459`s. find there,sir.
Jim

 

[triaxle]

I have one that's mint but no box . It was listed for sale for a long time no one new what it was . I looked at it for a year then went for it . Its on the list . Also picked up a mint Smith ASP at a show with shoulder holster for 275 no one new what it was

 

[punisher1123]

Special S&W 459

Happy New Year and best wishes to all in 2015.

I happen to have a 459 that I bought back 2003 here in
San Antonio, TX. It was used from a pawn shop, so I have no box and no info on it except for model and serial number A881500 which I believe is on the list that SNW 19 357 provided. So does that mean I just happened to stumble onto a special 459????

 

[FirebirdV8]

Happy New Year and best wishes to all in 2015.

I happen to have a 459 that I bought back 2003 here in
San Antonio, TX. It was used from a pawn shop, so I have no box and no info on it except for model and serial number A881500 which I believe is on the list that SNW 19 357 provided. So does that mean I just happened to stumble onto a special 459????

It looks like you did luck into an FBI 459. I would get a letter from S&W and you'll have raised the value of your pistol.