S & W buffs, please help.

injun

S & W buffs: I recently purchased a S & W Model 39, in unfired condition. It is a beautiful specimen. No box. What interests me, and what I am asking some info on is that the gun has a 4-digit serial number 58XX. It also has a fitted rubber cap on the hammer, that looks to be part of the original gun. Have I found something valuable? Or just another pretty gun? Thank you.

Laredo Lefty

Your model 39 is an early sample, about the mid 1950's.

I have never seen a rubber cap on the 39 hammers. This may have been added after leaving the factory. Since the model 39's were discontinued in 1982 any gun in unfired condition is somewhat of a rare find.

perry shooter

Early guns were steel frame . if yours is this early it is big bucks either way nice find.

injun

Thanks for your info, gentlemen. What is the best way to check if it has a steel frame? Magnet? Color?

mrbruce

A magnet will work if it's steel, sounds like you got very lucky, way to go [:)]

injun

Again, thank you all for your input. One more small question. The finish on the slide lock on this weapon, and to a lesser amount on the trigger, looks red rather than blue. Not rust-like. Polished, but definitely red. Is this normal on the 39? Different metal used? Or what?

Wehrmacht_45

You see this on a lot of Dan Wesson guns as well. Its either the bluing reacting to the metal or the bluing was done incorrectly( usually at a lower temp). I had a CZ 27 that had the same issue. It was a reddish/purplish hue to the bluing.

Laredo Lefty

Actually the "earliest" guns were with alloy frames. The steel frames were "made" earlier but were "sold" after some of the earliest alloy frame guns.

Steel frame guns fall into the range of numbers 39000 and 60000 to 64000 and again from 81000 to 82000. With your 4 digit serial number 58XX its likely not a steel frame.

Either way, a mid 1950's unfired model 39 is a very good find as I said before.

injun

Laredo Lefty: Very informative, thank you. While I haven't checked the frame with a magnet (I'm a bit concerned about possibly scratching it) it LOOKS like an alloy frame. I say this in comparison to my Colt Lightweight Commander, which I know is an alloy frame. They both have the same look to them, ie, black as opposed to blued steel. Any estimate on what the pistol may be worth?
In case you are curious, I paid $450 for it.
P.S. Based on the fine information that I've gotten from this posting, I've written to Mr. Jinks at S&W for a Authentication Letter.

Laredo Lefty

Richard... To keep from scratching the gun, wrap the magnet in a t-shirt and do it gently. Do the test down in the grip area so that the magnet will not attract to the slide.

According to the Blue Book 28th ed, your gun is valued at $400.00 in 100% condition. I collect Smith's and if I saw one as you have described yours at an auction I would go as high as $500.00.

injun

Joe: Thanks again. Looks like I won't make a million on it, but I did get a nice gun for a reasonable price. I collect "different" Colt 1911's. If you are ever interested in seeing a couple of pics of my collection, send an e-mail to my personal address.
Nice talking with you, and thanks again, everyone who responded. Gunbroker membetrs are the best.