Model 39-unfired

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gunslinger_h

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Hi all. My first posting and I have a question. I have a model 39, serial number 89xxx that is 100 per cent and unfired. Can anyone give me an idea as to what its value might be. I have no box for it, none was there when I bought it. Looking forward to hearing from someone who might know. Thanks, Hank.
 
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Hi all. My first posting and I have a question. I have a model 39, serial number 89xxx that is 100 per cent and unfired. Can anyone give me an idea as to what its value might be. I have no box for it, none was there when I bought it. Looking forward to hearing from someone who might know. Thanks, Hank.
 
The value of your 39 is exactly what you were willing to spend on it. Nothing more, nothing less.
Randy
 
Saw these two ads:

Smith & Wesson 39 9mm Para caliber pistol. Rare all steel model in excellent condition with box and extra mag. Only 927 made. $1,795.00
see photos Item# PR9292 Request Info


Smith & Wesson 39 9mm Para caliber pistol. Early model with long extractor. Excellent condition. $549.95
see photos Item# PR12197 Request Info

on this website:

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/show_inventory.php?catID=5&subcatID=50

That should give you a starting point.

jeff
 
In the Northeast, an unfired m-39 would bring approx. $500.00.

They are really not that uncommon or hard to find.

I equate it to unfired "Mauser Parabellums" (Lugars). It is easier to find them unfired than gently used.
 
Well, the people who asked me to join this forum did not prepare me for the replies I have received so far. First of all, the pistol was bought over twenty years ago, so not a clue as to the market value. And I believe that since I have been a shooter for near fifty years as well as an instructor and competitor, I would know that the value could be stated as what I was willing to spend on it. No answer at all would have been better than that stroke of wisdom. Do not confuse the fact that I just joined here that I am a rookie to be answered insultingly, so thanks for nothing growr. I did not realize that unfired model 39s in 100 per cent new condition that were nearly fifty years old were a common thing. I guess I have been shooting too long and not doing enough trading.lol Thank you Jeffj and banger. I appreciate your answers and your courtesy. Be well and shoot straight, Hank.
 
I don't know how rare unfired Model 39s are but it will be another fifty years before it becomes a collectible item. I would estimate the value of it to be around $500 as a shooter.
 
$400-475 would be in the ball park
Undervalued to say the least. Keep it for while longer
 
Prices are largely regional, but here in Central Texas, I've seen them go from $350.00 (rough shape) to $500.00 (good shape, fired, bluing largely intact, no box, no papers). I've always wanted one, but it's always been lower on my "grail gun" list than other acquisitions.

Best of luck,

Dave
 
Originally posted by rbert0005:
Take a look on Gunbroker or elsewhere and see for yourself.

Bob
Click to expand...
I have been to gunbroker and other sites, just have not found one 100 per cent and unfired. I came here because some friends of mine in the Ruger forum who are members here also advised me to come here because of the knowledge and the friendliness of the people, and that I could find some help here. Thanks for your help. I hope to be able to help you out the same way sometimes. Hank.
 
Thanks for the assistance and advice all. I will just put it back in the case. If I cannot find the information here, don't know if I will be able to find it anywhere. I thought that by coming here I might be able to keep it with Smith & Wesson people since it is 100 per cent and unfired and 50 years old, and that someone might want it to keep it that way. My way of thinking, not always good. I do appreciate the advice and the feedback and wish all of you a Happy Holiday. Be well and shoot straight, Hank.
 
A genuine 100% gun without original box is definitely way less collectible than the same gun with box, hence worth considerably less.

Gun/box "marriages" don't work with collectors, so I would not suggest you go looking for the "proper" box, even though counterfeit blank labels are available.

A 100% M39 "no dash", (as opposed to a 39-2) is much more of a collector item than a shooter, both because of far fewer numbers having been made, but also because the M39 no-dash had a fragile extractor and replacement extractors are virtually unobtanium.

If I were you, I would preserve the gun as unfired (assuming 100% means unfired, which in my opinion it does). I would also request a "factory letter" to establish the shipping history of the gun.

I realize you're new here, but give us a chance, and get to know the players. Welcome.
 
...a model 39, serial number 89xxx...
Click to expand...
By the way, the S&W Standard Catalog lists non-letter-prefix numbers for the Model 39 ranging from 1001 (1954) to 115000 (1970). Your serial number is in the latest quarter of that range, and thus was likely manufactured in the late-1960s.
 
Thanks Karl. I will inquire about a letter. I spoke with someone there, but obviously I misunderstood the year assuming oldrip57's information is correct. It is definitely unfired, and I was not going to try to look for a box, because I would not know where to start and am not going to put more money into it. I am not a collector, but a teacher and a shooter, and I truly felt it was wasted here with so many S&W collectors around, but I will take your advice and put it up. Thanks again to both you and oldrip57. Much appreciated. Hank.
Originally posted by Karl in NY:
A genuine 100% gun without original box is definitely way less collectible than the same gun with box, hence worth considerably less.

Gun/box "marriages" don't work with collectors, so I would not suggest you go looking for the "proper" box, even though counterfeit blank labels are available.

A 100% M39 "no dash", (as opposed to a 39-2) is much more of a collector item than a shooter, both because of far fewer numbers having been made, but also because the M39 no-dash had a fragile extractor and replacement extractors are virtually unobtanium.

If I were you, I would preserve the gun as unfired (assuming 100% means unfired, which in my opinion it does). I would also request a "factory letter" to establish the shipping history of the gun.

I realize you're new here, but give us a chance, and get to know the players. Welcome.
Click to expand...
 
Gunslinger,

There are, essentially, 3 variants to the Model 39. The original alloy-framed 9mm pistol (not marked as a Model 39), the steel framed guns and the 39-2 model.

The steel framed guns are scarce and command prices in the $1250 to $1500 range depending on condition.

The early commercial, alloy framed 39's either have no model number or simply show "Model 39" with no dash. Most of these guns have the "long extractor" which extends back to the area of the safety pivot on the slide. Many also have a "short" safety lever on the left side of the slide. These guns command a premium to S&W fans but not a huge one. The last two I saw were sold for $550 in 99% condition w/o a box and $700 as-new with box.

The Model 39-2 pistols generally run about $400~$450 for LNIB specimens. These are usually under-appreciated in a market dominated by "hi-capacity" wondernines.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks Bill. This is a model 39 with no other number or dash and it is 100 per cent and unfired. The extractor and safety lever are as you described. I have no box, but you have given me a good idea as to what it is worth. I appreciate that very much. I will decide whether to keep it or sell it and pick up a shooter. I hate to ruin the collector's value of this piece, so hard decision to make.Thanks again, Hank.
 
I also recently purchased a MOS 39-2 I paid 400 w/box, all papers, bore brush etc. I used one in the 60s, and Ill. State Police issued them. I was a plainclothes cop in St. Louis at the time and they were an authorized weapon at the time. The one I just bought was a beautiful example. I had the action smoothed and jeweled, barrel crowned etc. by a real expert of 39s. so I went out and shot it. Now I hate to carry it because it is so nice I hate to get holster wear on it. I would keep it for the future I doubt it will ever go down in price. It is a true example of what a semi auto pistol should look like. Steel, wood, shinny and lethal looking. It along with 1911 auto,s have a real gun look, a example of pride in manufacturing that seems out of place now. Just a old guys opinion.. I have been offered 900 for it after upgrades. This one I won't sell. In my opinion the 39-2, 39 all steel, and the 3913 and 14 were examples of Smiths best effort, along with 6o,s model 19 revolvers.
 
nice guns

GUNSW39L.jpg
 
gunslinger,
Sounds like you have a very nice pistol. The 39's are not as sought after as the pre-39's. Yet, the early 39's have some of the same high quality construction and deep blue finish seen on the early models. Nickel 39's (no dash) are very scarce and in my opinion would bring double the value of a blue model. Overall, if you don't have to sell it, you might be better off tucking it away as I think prices for your model will only creep up. Good luck in your decision.
 
The first S&W 9mm's(no model number) had a slightly different frame than 39's and 39-2's.
and a different left stock to accomadate the smaller safety.
 
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