Nickel model 59
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jimbo728
Member
Love the black controls, real beauty!
Jim
Jim
Jeppo
Member
I wonder how many were produced in Nickel.
I think a lot more 39-2's were made with the nickel finish than Model 59's. The Model 59 was clearly aimed at the law enforcement and government markets, most were made in basic black (blued steel and black anodized aluminum).
There are approximately 231,850 model 59's and typically about 10% or 23,100 are nickel. Compare that to approximately 348,000 model 39/39-2's making that 34,000 in nickel.
There’s a lot of speculation about nickel 59’s, (and 39’s,) being factory. If there is no original matching box, with no grip frame N stamp then other than a Factory Letter what would validate it? Without a N it’s not not original nickled? Following gmborkovic excellent nickel 39 data base with updates helps with 39’s and is an education if one appreciates it. Maybe there is a correlation with the 59’s?
Being redundant AGAIN I am wondering, (this time regarding 59’s,) if all original nickel examples had a N stamped on the lower corner of the grip
frame? Years ago I mentioned here my conversation with Roy Jinks, (again when you could just call him,) about 39’s and he said no original nickel example ever left the factory w/o the N stamp.
I have two nickel 59’s. One is an early one, (170457,) and most likely not originally nickel, (no N stamp,) but still a perfect example. The other newer one looks original, (A55787 shown,) with the last 7 higher. No box and there is not a N stamped of the lower corner of the grip frame. I didn’t pay very much for either of them but that was some time ago.
Jim
Being redundant AGAIN I am wondering, (this time regarding 59’s,) if all original nickel examples had a N stamped on the lower corner of the grip
frame? Years ago I mentioned here my conversation with Roy Jinks, (again when you could just call him,) about 39’s and he said no original nickel example ever left the factory w/o the N stamp.
I have two nickel 59’s. One is an early one, (170457,) and most likely not originally nickel, (no N stamp,) but still a perfect example. The other newer one looks original, (A55787 shown,) with the last 7 higher. No box and there is not a N stamped of the lower corner of the grip frame. I didn’t pay very much for either of them but that was some time ago.
Jim
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I am not aware of S&W using a stamp to mark the finish on their semi-auto pistols, that seems to be a revolver thing. Determining an original nickel finish on these pistols may be more of examining the roll marks for signs of a refinish. Smeared, soft edges on roll markings is a pretty good tell of a refinish.
Wyatt Burp
Member
My nickel 39-2 has an "N" on the box as you can see here stating the gun's finish, but I see no "N" stamped anywhere under the grips like on my 4" nickel Model 19-4. And that N is very prominent.
Reviewing my data it indicates that until 1975 most nickel model 39's and 39-2's had a factory N stamp under the left grip or an R-N if it was returned to the factory to be refinished in Nickel. Nickel 39's I own support this. It would make sense that Model 59's followed this pattern.
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Hey Wyatt, nice gun I like those grips, what are they made of?
Do I have your Sn. in the database? Mike
Do I have your Sn. in the database? Mike
Wyatt Burp
Member
I believe you do. I can PM it to you again if you like. I never owned a Model 39 but wanted one in nickel and with sambar stags. I found this gun and had Patrick Grashorn make the grips. Smooth elk sounded good to me. They are elk bone, not antler. I don’t know what bone it is but he said these grips were as large of grips he could get out of them. All paperwork including original purchase receipt that the gun was bought new in Alaska in 1980.
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VASCAR2
Member
I never thought of nickel 59 S&W as being more rare. In the mid to late 70’s when I entered LE the nickel 59’s and 5” nickel model 27’s were the most popular at a southern Indiana Sheriff’s department.
When I went to the Police Academy in Illinois the range staff supplied model 64 revolvers (thin barrels) or nickel 59’s for recruits who weren’t provided a handgun by their agency or brought their own handgun.
One of the best shooting 59’s I ever shot was a nickel 59 owned by a friend. Everybody who shot that 59 wanted to buy it. When my Friend past the 59 went to his younger brother who said he would never sell that 59. He to thought that particular 59 was an outstanding pistol.
When I went to the Police Academy in Illinois the range staff supplied model 64 revolvers (thin barrels) or nickel 59’s for recruits who weren’t provided a handgun by their agency or brought their own handgun.
One of the best shooting 59’s I ever shot was a nickel 59 owned by a friend. Everybody who shot that 59 wanted to buy it. When my Friend past the 59 went to his younger brother who said he would never sell that 59. He to thought that particular 59 was an outstanding pistol.
OP
twaits
Member
I picked it up today. All markings are crisp as are all the edges. There is no "N" stamped uner the grips. Pretty sure it's factory nickel but even if not it doesn't matter much to me. The gun looks amazing. Virtually no wear. Looks almost brand new. Beautiful pistol. I'll post some pics in a minute.
OP
twaits
Member
That nickel 59 you got looks factory. It probably would not have a N stamp on it being @ a 1978 example. That explains why my @ 1979 one doesn’t have a N stamp either, (as well as my @ 1978 nickel 39-2.) I wasn’t putting down Roy and it was explained to me by S&W employees from that time that he was in the revolver side. It seems he might have not known what they were doing including N stamps or factory “bobbed” hammer 39-2’s.
I definitely haven’t been following nickel 59 prices recently but you got a really nice one for a very good price. They have been selling for more at lesser conditions even without a box and stuff.
Jim
I definitely haven’t been following nickel 59 prices recently but you got a really nice one for a very good price. They have been selling for more at lesser conditions even without a box and stuff.
Jim
Then I stand corrected. Thank you for this information.
Looks like a legitimate factory nickel finish to me. That Model 59 also appears to be in fantastic condition, likely not fired outside of the factory test firing.
OP
twaits
Member
It probably was but it doesn't look like more than a box of ammo through it. I cleaned a small amount of carbon off the breech face and surrounding areas. Ran a brush and patch through the bore and it's absolutely pristine.
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