Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 39 9mm 4” Semi-Auto Pistol & Box C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,125.01
LSB#: LSB250524JB003
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Pre – Model 39
Serial Number: 1173
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Magazine Safety Disconnect and Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and with the four line Marcas Registradas. The left side of the frame is marked “1173”. The right side of the frame is marked with an S&W monogram logo. The right side of the slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “P”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight has a serrated ramp and is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a target sight with a square notch, adjustable for windage and elevation, and is dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut, each with a S&W medallion at the top. There are a few light handling marks and scratches. The checkering is sharp. The grips are free of chips and cracks. The grips rate in about very fine overall condition for its age.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no fouling near the chamber. There is no erosion in the bore. Bore rating at 10 /10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The slide has thinning on the hard edges from operation over the years. There are rust freckles on the magazine’s baseplate. The magazine shows some operational wear. There are numerous fine handling wear scratches throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates an Excellent condition. The reproduction box is a bonus. The blue brad-cornered box is in excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is short and crisp with a short reset. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are three 8-round magazines and a reproduction S&W box and copy of factory letter from Smith and Wesson.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 39 is the first commercial 9mm double action auto manufactured in The United States. 927 were made with steel frames made c. Mid 1950s but not assembled or sold until c.1966. Alloy Frames were actually made after the steel frames but alloy was sold first and started numbering at 1001. This is one of those alloy frames, and if the serial numbers are sequential (as they appear to be) this would be the 173rd example made. Features a 8 shot single stack magazine, 4” barrel, walnut stocks, and a blue finish adjustable rear sight. Few are found with alloy backstraps instead of steel — and again this is one of those. Early guns (pre model-39) such as this one had a smaller safety. The very first group of guns fell in 1001-c.2600 with no steel frames in this group but alloy frames with steel slides.(References S&W Standard Catalog p.285)
The Model 39 was a serious target pistol designed to fire only .9mm ammunition. It was replicated by the model 52 in 1961 for the sport of NRA Bullseye Shooting. It retained the basic trigger mechanism of the Model 39 but was changed to .38 wadcutter with the Double-Action disconnector removed, allowing the pistol to be fired in Single action only. That model was produced by S&W until the machinery used to manufacture it wore out and was considered to be too costly to replace or repair the machine.
The accompanying letter on the Smith and Wesson letterhead states that this particular sidearm was sold to an AAFES (Army And Air Force Exchange Service) PX in New York and shipped 22 Sep 55.
Fortunately, this Model 39 is far from being worn out, in fact it looks like it saw nothing but the inside of holster for 60 years. This is a great handgun that is no longer produced by Smith & Wesson. It is a perfect addition to any collection. Please see our photos. -C.B.
