Model 39 - #89999 - What serial number came next?

[cougar015]

Kevin, I'm guessing that your list is nowhere complete and I'm thinking that all the 39-2's without the 'A' prefix probably have the -2 hand stamped and in a different font size. Thanks for showing us how impossible it is to determine how many were manufactured.

 

[cougar015]

I have been trying on-line for hours to find the date of manufacture of S&W 39-2, # A 238837. No luck with the
S&W "find the date". website, as it is a mess. Several of you guys, are more helpful, as giving me a lot more info than I had (thank you), but confusing as I think what I got is "chase your tail" exercise due to S&W mixing gun models and serial numbers.
will try one more time. Anybody that can nail down the date, even within a few years. Anyone with one with close date?
Thanks very much, Cal

My records deal with shipping dates and the closest I have to your number is A 225020 which was shipped in March 1974 and my A562115 shipped Oct 1979. There's your window.

 

[kwill1911]

Rich, yes, I should have mentioned that this data is incomplete, i.e. just the guns I've recorded. But, it is enough to establish that authoritative statements about serial numbers and ship dates cannot be made without access to ALL the data.

 

[gmborkovic]

Kevin, thanks for sharing the above list. Fills in alot of holes I had.. Mike

 

[kwill1911]

Sure. If you have additional data I hope you'll share it with Rich so we can add it to the database.

 

[cougar015]

Sure. If you have additional data I hope you'll share it with Rich so we can add it to the database.

Kevin, Mike has been giving me some great info. We just got an invoice with 100 pre 39's on it. Once Helms has the database up and running. I'll see if any of them need to be added. Rich

 

[Aussie Collector]

Looks like I was wrong, and thats ok and I admit it.
Thank you all for this insightful information.


It raises further questions.
I would think if S&W had a pile of 39 frames left over once the 39 barrels/slides ran out they would use the frames with 39-2 parts.
Are the earlier serial numbered 39-2, pre 120000/A120000, actual 39-2s or 39 frames with 39-2 parts?

Also the 39s in the A120### range are they 39 frames or 39-2 frames missing the "-2" with 39 upper?

I keep a look out for many different S&Ws.
I have a 39 and 39-2 ANIB and don't pay much attention when they come up for sale (except for steel frame), now I'm adding a mental note to look out for 39s in the 100000 to A120000 serial ranges...

 

[kwill1911]

AC - we're all just students. During the transition from the Model 39 to the Model 39-2 you can find all kind of variations of specific features.

 

[cougar015]

AC - we're all just students. During the transition from the Model 39 to the Model 39-2 you can find all kind of variations of specific features.

Very true and the same can be said for the pre-39 to 39 transition. Just when I think I have a good handle on this subject, someone or something happens that shows I really don't. That's why this forum is so great, people sharing and we all keep learning.

 

[stansdds]

S&W did not make a habit of wasting parts, so it is quite likely that there would be a transitional period where there would be a mix of 39 and 39-2 parts and that could easily include serial numbers as well.

 

[gmborkovic]

Student? I wish. Im still in the sandbox next to the school.

 

[FS1ST]

Greetings and thank you all.

What I was curious about was the serial number for the next Model 39 or Model 39-2 as I have never seen or heard of one beginning with a nine. My question appears to have been answered well. I'm going through the responses now. I was not intentionally trying to be vague.

Thank you.

 

[cougar015]

I Have not seen any Model 39's in S/N ranges 4,000, 9000 thru 29,000, 40,000. 70,000 or 90,000. There may be some but we have none in the SWCA database. The Model 52 & 52-1 can be found in 50K, 70K and 90K. Anyone have any data to dispute this information?