Smith & Wesson Model 39 9mm U.S. Navy Contract Semi Automatic Pistol 1966
SOLD FOR: $20,026.00
LSB#: WY250508SM001
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 39 (Pre-Model Designation)
Serial Number: 68804
Year of Manufacture: Shipped August 30, 1966
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action / Double Action, Detachable Magazine Fed
Markings:
The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON.” The right side of the slide is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. / MARCAS REGISTRADAS / SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” The serial number “68804” is marked on the right side of the frame.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics:
The front sight is a serrated ramped blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square-notch, adjustable for windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition / Grip:
The grips are factory checkered walnut panels with S&W medallions. They exhibit light handling wear and remain in Fine condition with strong checkering and solid fit.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its original finish. There is light high-edge wear, faint scratches on the slide flats, and a mild turn line. The markings are crisp and the screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The pistol functions properly in both single and double action. The magazine disconnect and decocker are present and operational. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes an original Smith & Wesson two-piece cardboard box (serial-matched), one original 8-round magazine, and a factory letter from Roy Jinks, Smith & Wesson’s company historian. The letter confirms that this pistol was one of 200 shipped on August 30, 1966, to the U.S. Government Disbursing Officer for delivery to the U.S. Navy Amphibious Base in San Diego, California. These pistols were part of Navy Contract Shipment #6 and were equipped with walnut grips and two magazines.
Also included are remarkable pieces of naval aviation history, directly tying this pistol to Cold War service aboard America’s most legendary nuclear aircraft carrier:
A USS Enterprise CVN-65 embroidered patch
A copy of a playing card – Ace of Hearts – autographed by Admiral Vincent de Poix, inscribed “2 Kills”, a reference to Admiral de Poix’s confirmed two aerial victories as a U.S. Navy combat pilot in WWIIA Four of Diamonds playing card, also signed “V. de Poix,” suggesting both cards were part of a personal, commemorative presentation
Provenance: This pistol comes from the esteemed collection of Kevin Williams, respected firearms historian and author of U.S. General Officer Pistols: A Collector’s Guide. Williams is known for curating exceptional military sidearms with elite provenance.
Our Assessment: This is not just a Cold War-era U.S. Navy contract Smith & Wesson Model 39—it’s a documented service weapon (on page 186 of the U.S. General Officer Pistols: A Collectors Guide) personally linked to Admiral Vincent de Poix, a combat-verified Navy ace and one of the most respected figures in 20th-century naval aviation. De Poix served with distinction during World War II, flying combat missions from aircraft carriers and scoring two confirmed aerial victories. He would later command the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) during her historic early deployments to Vietnam before becoming Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
The “2 Kills” inscription on the included Ace of Hearts is not just a casual encounter—it’s a signature from one warrior to another. Whether gifted to a trusted subordinate, colleague, or fellow pilot, it’s an unmistakably personal artifact of military camaraderie. The inclusion of a second autographed card and a Big E patch only deepens the significance. These aren’t just relics—they’re a story.
The Model 39 itself is part of the first generation of American-made 9mm semi-automatics adopted by U.S. forces, and its role in amphibious and naval arms testing makes it historically significant on its own. But with the factory letter, the correct configuration, and the unparalleled direct connection to Admiral de Poix and USS Enterprise, this offering transcends the firearm itself.
Whether you collect military pistols, naval history, or Cold War relics, this is an irreplaceable ensemble that combines elite service weaponry with one-of-a-kind provenance. The right buyer will recognize this not only as a firearm, but as a living tribute to American naval aviation. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
