Is this a Model-39?
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44wheelman
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That is the 9mm semi-automatic model....simply what is was called prior to being assigned the model number 39. Model numbers started in 1957, so yours was made in 1955 or '56.... very early, considering S&W started the s/n at 1000.
If it's not reblued, I can see $1000+ at auction. Excuse my skepticism, it just looks to be outstanding condition...
If it's not reblued, I can see $1000+ at auction. Excuse my skepticism, it just looks to be outstanding condition...
This thread has some info on your pre-39 9mm semiautomatic - http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/229168-pre-39-picture-thread.html
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You got one really early bird. Any possibility of some more pics?
olDodgeBoys
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Wow, that's early. I'm jealous. Is this the earliest one known here?
Rimskys, 9 is sitting on what looks like a wooden display box. If its been pampered it maybe original blue.
If it's "original" not reblued you've got a high collectible $$$s gun. It's a very early "S&W 9mm"; no other name or #. It got the Model # 39 designation in 1957 when all the S&W got model #s.
I sold one in 99% condition...IIRC there were about 1600 pre-39 guns SR#1000-2600.......for just over $1,500 two years ago.
Don't shoot it......it has a short extractor...... modified with the 39-2 to a long one.......that can break, it didn't happen often...... but there are no replacements parts!!!!!!!!
I sold one in 99% condition...IIRC there were about 1600 pre-39 guns SR#1000-2600.......for just over $1,500 two years ago.
Don't shoot it......it has a short extractor...... modified with the 39-2 to a long one.......that can break, it didn't happen often...... but there are no replacements parts!!!!!!!!
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Bam-Bam, I think you have the terms swapped around. The dash-2 is the much shorter, slimmer pivoting extractor and the original no-dash 39's are the very l-o-n-g and tall/wide extractor.
I have a gorgeous no-dash also but it isn't nearly as old as the beauty in this thread.
I really want to know how you got this pistol -- it's obviously new to you?
I have a gorgeous no-dash also but it isn't nearly as old as the beauty in this thread.
I really want to know how you got this pistol -- it's obviously new to you?
kwill1911
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You say it is SN 1038 but the picture sure looks like 1058. ?? It is a nice piece.
Could be....... just don't break it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[/ATTACH]Thanks to all of you that took the time to answer my question. I had a feeling there was something special about this beauty. It came to me in a trade over 30 years ago from a guy who worked at S&W in Springfield, MA. He kept it in a COLT Styrofoam box wrapped in original oiled S&W paper. It does have the original operating instructions and has never been fired except for proofing. There are no markings on the package to say what it is. I don't think he appreciated the uniqueness of the product he was making. He could get whatever he wanted with an employee discount. Over the years I have pulled it out and admired it, wiped it down and put it away. It has never needed refinishing. Even though I'm getting on in years I am not quite ready to sell it.......but the time is getting close. I will take a few more pictures and post them.44wheelman
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Thanks for the addl' pics... even better than I thought it could be, very special indeed!
1058, 1038....still a first 100 gun, wow.
1058, 1038....still a first 100 gun, wow.
oldRoger
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I owned one with a lower serial number, one of the first 10. It had a set of smooth Rosewood grips it had been fired but did not show much wear except when disassembled.
I did fire it, but at the time I held 9mm in very low esteem and the only bottom feeders I had much use for was the 1911 and some .22s.
I traded it off in a complicated deal in which I believe it was valued at $100. Needless to say I regret the transaction.
I did fire it, but at the time I held 9mm in very low esteem and the only bottom feeders I had much use for was the 1911 and some .22s.
I traded it off in a complicated deal in which I believe it was valued at $100. Needless to say I regret the transaction.
You've got a very significant pre39 there. If you want to shoot it, don't be overly concerned about the extractor breaking. the long extractors (like yours) were known to break but not as many as the story grew so far out of proportion. If ever you'd like to sell it, consider me as an interested person. I have on pre-39 with a lower SN, which has and experimental extractor being much shorter and sort of resembling a 39-2 extractor but in a hairpin shape. I have been trying to figure out when the experimental extractor stopped and the final production long extractor began. Now you have helped me narrow the SN range down significantly. Somewhere between your SN and apx 35 SNs prior the extractor was revised to the long extractor. Congrats on your find. Feel free to email me from this forum. My message box is stuffed but the email will go right through to me. Thank you for posting this great pre-39
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I just bought a LONG extractor, for my 39 no -, from Numrich. $34, I think. They are out there...
