USAF Issue M39 Value

[kwill1911]

Sorry, that's not quite right with respect to USAF GO guns. Retiring Army generals had to purchase their pistols or turn them back in. However, USAF generals were actually given the Model 39s and were not required to pay for them upon retirement.

A SWHF letter will show shipment to the "Boston Disbursement Center" which is really just the office that paid for the guns. It is really hard to tie the guns to the officer without documentation from him. I think a signed affidavit from him or his son, while not positive proof, is helpful.

 

[s&wchad]

Sorry, that's not quite right with respect to USAF GO guns. Retiring Army generals had to purchase their pistols or turn them back in. However, USAF generals were actually given the Model 39s and were not required to pay for them upon retirement.

A SWHF letter will show shipment to the "Boston Disbursement Center" which is really just the office that paid for the guns. It is really hard to tie the guns to the officer without documentation from him. I think a signed affidavit from him or his son, while not positive proof, is helpful.

Thanks for the education!
You said USAF GO buckles were nickel plated, but this one appears gold/brass. Any thoughts?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Could you show the front of the brass-gold buckle?
Great looking gun!

 

[kwill1911]

The gold plated buckle is another anomaly. In the early days the Air Force used the same belt and buckle as the Army but had standardized on nickel plated accoutrements. They later changed to a heavier belt and an ugly buckle (IMO) made by Bianchi. It would really be interesting to see if the family has any additional paperwork with this gun and what a SWHF letter might say. I'd also like confirmation that the holster has the appropriate number on the back.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

The gold plated buckle is another anomaly. In the early days the Air Force used the same belt and buckle as the Army but had standardized on nickel plated accoutrements. They later changed to a heavier belt and an ugly buckle (IMO) made by Bianchi. It would really be interesting to see if the family has any additional paperwork with this gun and what a SWHF letter might say. I'd also like confirmation that the holster has the appropriate number on the back.

AF - Who wore the gold buckle then nickel, then ugly Bianchi?

 

[kwill1911]

No, not if I understand your question correctly. By the time the Air Force started issuing the Model 39 they had standardized on black leather and nickel accoutrements. However, AAF generals were issued the same pistols and accoutrements as Army generals since the Air Force was part of the Army until 1947. It is possible that this GO got his first star prior to 1947 and got a gold buckle. He should have gotten a nickel buckle with the Model 39 and would have to wear it or be out of uniform. However, many of these guys never wore their pistols and many were not "gun guys," especially in the Air Force.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Not sure if anybody in the AF was ever 'issued' a Model 39.
If they were, it would be an exceptional and unusual event.
I have heard of but never seen an actual AF Model 39.
Have seen hundreds- maybe thousands of AF revolvers, have been issued and carried a bunch, all Revolvers.
The only AF auto I ever shot was a 1911 down at Lackland.
And for your info, lots of us AF guys are gun guys.

On this gun, I going for either a regular personal buy or a GO Purchase.

 

[kwill1911]

Not sure if anybody in the AF was ever 'issued' a Model 39.

I guess I made it all up.

 

[dr. mordo]

No, not if I understand your question correctly. By the time the Air Force started issuing the Model 39 they had standardized on black leather and nickel accoutrements. However, AAF generals were issued the same pistols and accoutrements as Army generals since the Air Force was part of the Army until 1947. It is possible that this GO got his first star prior to 1947 and got a gold buckle. He should have gotten a nickel buckle with the Model 39 and would have to wear it or be out of uniform. However, many of these guys never wore their pistols and many were not "gun guys," especially in the Air Force.

I suspect this is mostly, if not entirely correct with respect to this General. He was a COL and a bit of a war hero for commanding a Bombardment Group that flew the daylight bombing missions over Germany (remember the film Twelve O'Clock High). Clark Gable was one of his men and I believe they flew some combat missions together. So he certainly could have put on Brig Gen before 1947 - I sent an email to his son just now asking for confirmation and pictures of the buckle.

Coincidentally, his son already told me MGen Burns was not a "gun guy" and would never have bought it for himself. He also sent pictures of the holster and mag holster.

 

[dr. mordo]

Here're some pics of the buckle, since you asked:

No more new info, and thanks again to everyone for the information and expertise!

 

[Indynick]

I don't own any S&W Semi-auto pistols, but I always read this forum, because it always has the coolest threads ever.

 

[kwill1911]

That is the correct leather gear and post-WWII Army buckle. The belt is probably made by Hickok and was so marked but the maker/size was stamped in gold colored ink and it is often rubbed off. There was also an inspector's stamp in black ink.

 

[epj]

I guess I made it all up.

Well, that seems to be the icing on the cake.

 

[s&wchad]

Well, that seems to be the icing on the cake.

yes, Kevin (Kwill1011) is one of the foremost authorities/researchers on General Officers Pistols.
We're fortunate to have him on this board.

The gun and accoutrements are as good as they come. Those are true family heirlooms and treasures!

 

[kwill1911]

Thanks. I just consider myself a serious student, not an authority.

 

[TLflag]

Model 39

I have a Model 39 with a serial number of 86856 with the box and accessories, including a sealed package of factory parts, screw driver,and cleaning supplies, that falls within the General Officers Pistol serial number issue. It also has a white outlined rear sight and yellow insert front sight. If you have time, could you have any information in your records of this pistol. The man had several other Smiths and seamed to be a gun person.

Thanking You for Your Time and Expert Time

Terry Landrith S & W #2200

 

[kwill1911]

The SN 86856 does not show up on my list of USAF guns and with the sights you describe it is unlikely to be a U.S. military gun. It sounds like a great package otherwise.

 

[RKmesa]

Kevin and all the rest of you on this thread. Here are some photos of TLflag's model 39 described by him a couple of posts above…

 

[kwill1911]

Very nice! Do we know the story behind the hammer?