Model 39 help

[MOtto]

I have a model 39 that I got from my father in 1977
It has been stored in its case since. Recently, I decided to check into it further. It is a model 39, nickel plated with gold plated trigger, safety and hammer. The serial number is four digit 23xx
I would appreciate your comments and assistance to find out more aboutmore about this. Thanks

 

[armorer951]

According to the Catalog, the serial numbers of the very first group of model 39's shipped were between 1001 - 2600, with no steel frames in the group, but steel slides and alloy frames. It doesn't mention if there were any nickel pated examples in the group. This serial number series 1001 and following began in 1954 and included models 39, 41, 44, 46, and 52. The "A" prefix was added to the serial numbers in 1970.
Since parts of the gun have been plated in gold, is it possible the gun was plated at some point after it was purchased?

At any rate, this appears to be a very early example. A factory letter would show when it was shipped, etc.

 

[tom 45]

With the gold plated pieces it is possible that this was a special presentation piece.
I would definitely check with Smith & Wesson.

 

[MOtto]

Thank you very much for the info. So, this gun may be as old as 1950's? My father was the firearms instrucor for his Police Dept. I believe that this was a personal gun owned by the S&W distributor. That may explain the gold plating. I thought that there might be a special edition that was plated

 

[BAM-BAM]

Both long extractor and long safety; is that a long or short tang?..... looks long to me, left grip releaved for the safety..........location of "Pat's Pending" is -2 vs no- (See updated comparison pictures in SCS&W 4th ED. p 342)

Everything looks -2 except the extractor which is no-dash and the finish ( no 39-1's were ever made/sold)

I'm leaning towards a transition gun ( or maybe "Frankinsmith")

Serial # throws me ....... though?????????????????

 

[Engine49guy]

Looks like an early 1960's Model 39 to me,
If you focus on the slide serrations you will note they are a bit further fwd than on the Pre Model 39 below,
The nickel one above also has the new long tang and relieved left side panel that are absent below.

(Pre 39's also have the short safety lever for comparison)

Hard to tell from the pics but I would bet the OP's gun was refinished sometime in its life.

Forgot to mention the OP's gun also has the frame grooves for a dust cover where Pre 39's do not

Here is nickel 39 form the web, notice the extractor is blue not nickel although IIRC early ones are found either way

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

SN dates to the 56-57 area??

 

[Engine49guy]

Is your gun Model marked as a "Model 39" or just has a serial number no Model stamp ?
IIRC Model marking appears around 1957-58.

 

[MOtto]

It is stamped with Model 39 elbow the ser#
Thank you for your assistance
Mark

 

[MOtto]

It is stamped with Model 39 elbow the ser#
Thank you for your assistance
Mark