Model 39-2 Worth ?

[TerryBrown]

I have a new in original box 1984? 1985? Nickel Plated 39-2 with original paperwork and the 2 clips, still wrapped in the oil paper. Everything but the sales receipt (as it was won decades ago).
Can anyone give me a general idea of its value unfired ?
I have had many people tell me it is collectible, but also no value figure!

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome aboard!

It's probably worth $800-$1000 dollars. Photos would be nice!

Video Tutorials on Posting Pictures

 

[VASCAR2]

Nickel 39's in good shape generally bring more at sale than blued examples. A pristine nickel 39 with box and accessories is collectable. Value is dependent on location of sale or whether sold at auction. You can look at gunbroker for past sales. In Illinois model 39's retain their value pretty well as they were issued by the ISP. In my area I would expect $700 to $900+ depending retailer.

 

[gmborkovic]

Terry, post Sn. you said 84-85, that is really late

 

[stansdds]

NIB nickel 39-2 with box and docs makes it collector grade. Probably around $1000 these days.

 

[TerryBrown]

Adding pics with sn

In attachment.

 

[TerryBrown]

Pics continued

Attached pics

 

[hoytx10]

Beautiful pistol! $800 - $1000, especially in the great condition it is in.

 

[Sevens]

Here's how I make friends and influence people! Or more to the point, here's where I stir up a hornet's nest!

If that was my nickel 39-2, there is a 0.0 percent chance I would EVER shoot that. Simply put, there's so many of these in the world and I have three myself already, there is no way I would take a pristine example with all of the original goodies and shoot it.

That's a time capsule, I would preserve it. There were over 347,000 made but there are not many dead mint examples sitting around that look like that.

 

[gmborkovic]

Sevens, agree. Pristine gun with goodies. Dont shoot.
One questions. Is that 347,000 nickel 39s produced?
You were not very specific. Just making friends. No hornets nest.

 

[Sevens]

Haha, Roy Jinks has published the 347,000 figure in a number of factory letters. We can safely assume that definitely does not mean nickel variants.

What I do not know is if he was speaking to 39-2 production or if he was covering the entirety of Model 39 production, from 1955 through 1983.

In fact, I'm not sure we will ever get that answer.

In one example specifically from a factory letter, Roy said exactly this:

The Model 39 was continued in production until 1981 when it was finally dropped from production. During the 27 years that this pistol was in production Smith & Wesson produced 347,551 of this Model. The Model 39 was replaced by a second generation variation that was called the Model 439.

Without getting more specific details, I would lean toward his 347,551 figure covering all 39's including 39 no-dash and probably including the pre-39 pistols.

I know I am not alone here when I say that I find these details extremely interesting!

 

[Wyatt Burp]

When I saw the title I thought, I hope it's nickel! I'd get another, most likely blue because they are common, as a shooter and do everything possible to keep this one pristine. About ten years ago I saw a 39-2 listed locally and said, "I hope it's nickel" knowing it wouldn't be. It was! I added Grashorn elk bone grips to it. Congrats on owning such a treasure.

 

[cougar015]

The OP's gun is serial number A678649. Model 39-2 production began at around S/N A120,000. Looks to be a bit more than 347,551 of them and that's not counting Model 39 and pre-39's. Rumor has always said that about about 10% of then guns are nickel. If you do the math, There are possibly 56,000 nickel guns! I have a nickel S/N A614311 which shipped July 1980 so your 1984/85 date might be realistic.

 

[gmborkovic]

!981 was the end and 27years produced would be 1954.
Just checked a data production mail from Roy. First shipped, commercial gun was Nov. 10, 1954. 347,551, is all the 39series, blue or nickel. And yes a few dual finish guns.Your friend, Mike

 

[Sevens]

The OP's gun is serial number A678649. Model 39-2 production began at around S/N A120,000. Looks to be a bit more than 347,551 of them and that's not counting Model 39 and pre-39's.

S&W made other semiautomatic pistols in the A-series, not just 39's. There were an awful lot of 59's and 52 pistols in that series also.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Nice maybe $1,200 here.

 

[Tntcwg3]

If that was my nickel 39-2, there is a 0.0 percent chance I would EVER shoot that. Simply put, there's so many of these in the world and I have three myself already, there is no way I would take a pristine example with all of the original goodies and shoot it.

That's a time capsule, I would preserve it. There were over 347,000 made but there are not many dead mint examples sitting around that look like that.

I use that same logic to justify buying another to the wife! Problems arise when the "shooter" is as good or better than the first "time capsule"! Slippery slopes!

 

[Sevens]

I have absolutely done the deal where I buy a shooter grade gun because I have no intention of shooting my mint one. I have a stainless 952-2 that I've never shot but my 952-1 has a guzillion through it. Bought a second 16-4 because the first one I got is NIB/unfired and literally shows the test fire rings on the front of the cylinder.

Not exactly the same but I have a high grade 39 no dash from likely 1962 and I have never sent a single round through it... but I have two other 39-2's that I shoot all the time.

 

[gmborkovic]

Sevens, weren't the 42s and 46s in the same Sn. block as the 39,59 and 52s?