Model 59

[625smith]

Here is my 59 that I picked up at my LGS. Can't believe that I didn't have one! Manufactured in 1981 s/n A68XXXX

 

[W.E.G.]

I got mine!
A470xxx

Strictly business.

 

[grif684]

At a recent gun show I saw a really nice early 59 with matching box, no papers and one mag with an asking price of $550, asked to see it and it had a huge gouge in the tang.....I pointed it out to the seller and asked what his best price was, and he said that was his best price, he wouldn't take any less....when I handed it back to him, he said to come back and see him near closing time and he "might" entertain an offer....I didn't realize what a gold mine I had in my safe, my unfired NIB must be worth about two grand.....and my range 59's must be worth at least five fifty! They don't have any gouges at all!!! Seriously, you picked up a nice S&W, they are great pistols, I shoot my 59's regularly and love 'em....

 

[Model39]

Class "A" Engraved Nickel 59

Nickel Class "A" Engraved Model 59 with aftermarket ebony grips (bought on eBay). Left the factory in 1980 (Per Mr. Jinks). Not too many of these around.

 

[squekydad]

Mine is a '79, has always performed flawless. Wish there were more threads on the 1st gen 59

 

[squekydad]

And just love that surprised look you get at the range when the SIG 226 in the next lane asked what custom gun just whipped him.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Model39, There is only one gun on which those grips would look great, and you own it!

 

[Engine49guy]

Got my first "Wonder 9" in 1984 a used but very clean nickel Model 59 and Still have it today,
Early 59's usually have the transitional 39 hole in the hammer spur , enclosed barrel bushing, funky big butt ampersands and "Pats Pending " stamp on the slide,
Another way to spot an early gun is the bump in the slide stop notch cut , later ones are cut straight , Late versions have the next generation safety lever that has the serrations that completely wrap around and the front and under the lever , early versions were smooth at the front.
I would post some pics but seems Photobucket is on the fritz tonight.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

She's a beaut, Clark

 

[S&W5906]

Got my first "Wonder 9" in 1984 a used but very clean nickel Model 59 and Still have it today,
Early 59's usually have the transitional 39 hole in the hammer spur , enclosed barrel bushing, funky big butt ampersands and "Pats Pending " stamp on the slide,
Another way to spot an early gun is the bump in the slide stop notch cut , later ones are cut straight , Late versions have the next generation safety lever that has the serrations that completely wrap around and the front and under the lever , early versions were smooth at the front.
I would post some pics but seems Photobucket is on the fritz tonight.

Mine has most of what you described. Not sure on your location of the ampersand. My mag has one butt ugly one on the plate though. How in the world do you turn S&W into something that looks more like SQ°W?