Lucky 13, Pre-39, X Pistols

[John_M52]

There was a discussion recently about this and someone posted a Seecamp which had someone's name, a woman's name as I recollect, as the serial number. Kinda cool.

In another somewhat recent thread someone(s) discussed this Seecamp California edition made in Milford, CT. I forget what the story was; I need to find that thread, I reckon.

The Cali edition added a tiny lever with a detent and spring to the trigger as a cross bar type safety to make it legal in the state, if that is what you are asking about.

 

[gmborkovic]

David, have a little bit of knowledge. I have acquired what I think is fact
from older collectors thru the years. I have recorded these "facts" in my old black composition note book that I had left over from high school. Its tattered and has several beer can rings on some of the pages. I guess every collector has a "tid bit" notebook.

 

[gmborkovic]

Rich, just a quick note on the green and white booklet. I have managed thru the years to gather up six booklets for my pre39s and early 4 digit m-39s. None of the booklets green color matches any one of the others. I think they used them up in to the 4 digit Sn. run. I just got m-39, 7251.
Shipped 12-12-58. By chance there was a single page folded parts list with green ink. The date on the back page was 12-58. Somebody at the factory liked green ink.

 

[DARE]

Finally got around to ordering a letter. It came today.

 

[cougar015]

Dave, Thanks for sharing the letter. 11/22/88 is my son's birthday! I have updated your guns info in the SWCA data base.

 

[DARE]

Just read a great article from the Spring 2006 S&WCA Journal.
"The Smith & Wesson Model 39 - Its Variations and Modifications" by Richard McMillan.
A couple of things that pertain to this thread I found most interesting.

There were 31 X serial number Model 39 prototype or preproduction guns built between October 28, 1948 and August 10, 1954. Included were a number of Army double action test pistols, six steel frame single actions, made at Army request, and at least one gun in .380 caliber.

The first 1,500 or so guns are referred to by collectors as Pre-39s. Serial numbers between 1001 and 2600. Model 41 serial numbers were intermixed, so not 1600 guns.

SWCA members can go to the SWCA website and read the article. Non members should join SWCA. The article is that good. Everything I wanted to know about the Model 39.

 

[kwill1911]

The Fall 2023 issue has a deeper dive into the development of the Model 39 and quite a bit of information on the X guns, for those interested.

 

[DARE]

Here is the invoice for 1313. Many thanks to cougar015.

 

[DCW]

It was called the S&W 9mm Automatic Pistol

Certainly a quaint name, eh?

 

[DCW]

Here is the invoice for 1313. Many thanks to cougar015.

Well, well, well ... finally I know what the "Air" inscribed in China pencil on the box bottoms REALLY meant ... or "means." I meant that, too. Uh-oh. A dark hole is emerging. Gotta take a break from the keyboard for a few minutes, guys. Or "gals." I understand "guys" refers to both sexe ... er ... genders nowadays. Please don't tell me such depends on the state from which you pen these blurbs. Uh-oh .... see what I mean? I'm falling .... falling.

Later. I think. Actually, "I hope." but that's another matter altogether.

 

[Goony]

It was called the S&W 9mm Automatic Pistol

The box confirms this rather bland and unimaginative marketing of them. This example shipped in July of 1955 to S&W's representative for the southeastern region.