Is this a rare pre 39 slide?

[cougar015]

I collect Model 39's so when I found this pre 39 slide for sale recently, I couldn't pass it up. It looks like it came from an early pre 39 experimental X frame. Characteristics: It will not fit on a pre 39 frame (seems like it should), The extractor (missing) is an early version, the rear sight groove is narrower, the front sight is a much smaller ramp, the cut out for the bushing is unique ( a pre 39 bushing will not fit). A 39 barrel and recoil spring/rod seem to fit but I can't be sure without having a barrel bushing. The slide is stamped 9MM CTG ( no "pats pending") which is not a normal marking. The slide is shown with an early pre 39 slide for comparison. Thoughts?

 

[kwill1911]

Very unusual, Rich. I've not seen one like that before.

 

[Goony]

That is odd. In addition to the characteristics already mentioned, I note that the side relief cuts near the muzzle extend much farther back than is the case with early pre-39 and 39 slides, being more in line with later 39 production, but most curious to me is the total lack of any provision for installing the hammer drop safety.

 

[gmborkovic]

"The slide is stamped 9MM CTG" Where?

 

[cougar015]

"The slide is stamped 9MM CTG" Where?

Mike, Ref the first picture, It's stamped just forward of the ejection port.

 

[gmborkovic]

Sorry, old eyes failed me.

 

[gmborkovic]

Rich, go in the safe and dig out that Pre model 44 single action only 9MM.
How does that slide compare to the one in your pics?

 

[cougar015]

Rich, go in the safe and dig out that Pre model 44 single action only 9MM.
How does that slide compare to the one in your pics?

If only I had one! Can I borrow yours?

 

[gmborkovic]

Rich, I cant tell from pics but is the slide blue or in the white?

 

[cougar015]

Rich, I cant tell from pics but is the slide blue or in the white?

It's blue. There was one Engraved in the white pre 39 that shipped in 1956. Based on my research, it might be s/n 2175.

 

[gmborkovic]

Rich, on the slide, is it stamped on the left side with S&W and the
4 line made in USA? Got it, no pat pend and 9MM on the right side.