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LOT 1519
Exceptional, Highly Attractive, Factory Class A Engraved Smith & Wesson
Model 39 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter - Serial no. 5686, 9x19mm
cal., 4 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured in 1958, this
is a highly attractive example of mid-20th century factory artistry from Smith &
Wesson, which was shipped to one of New York’s premier dealers of refined, deluxe
firearms. The included factory letter lists this pistol as a “Model 39 Pistol Special
Engraved Model” chambered in 9mm with blue finish and Class A engraving
when it was shipped on July 23, 1958, to Rex Firearms Co. of New York City, New
York. Rex Firearms was a high end firearms dealer in New York and was one of the
best places in the country to buy a highly embellished, deluxe Smith & Wesson
such as this one. Knowledgeable collectors note that Rex Firearms Co. was a
large distributor for Smith & Wesson, but that much of their focus was on special
ordered, non-standard arms, such as special finishes and engraved guns. A pistol
such as this is certainly a fantastic example of a sidearm befitting a member of
New York’s affluent high society. The pistol displays extremely attractive, near full
coverage relief floral scroll engraving over a matted background lending to a deep
contrast on the frame and slide with the beautiful engraving continuing onto the
trigger guard and both the front and rear grip straps. The engraving flows elegantly
throughout with delicate, organic, vine-like scroll, evoking patterns and styles
reminiscent of the Art Nouveau movement, exuding the class and sophistication
of the latter parts of the Gilded Age of New York. The pistol features a fixed blade
front sight and adjustable rear sight. The engraving surrounds the standard factory
markings, which are incorporated very naturally. The pistol is fitted with a beautiful
set of rosewood grips with “S&W” monogrammed silver medallions.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue finish with minor
handling evidence, slight plum hue on the slide release, and a pressure mark on
the top edge of the right grip. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare opportunity
to own a highly attractive, Art Nouveau inspired, superbly embellished, factory
engraved Smith & Wesson Model 39, documented as shipped to one of New York’s
premier firearms dealers!
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000 467