Smith and Wesson 39 info wanted

[oif03vet]

Trying to figure out how to decode the SN on a Smith and Wesson 39 to find out the manufacturing date. If you have any ideas please let me know. I am looking at one that is unfired in its original box, warranty card, cleaning gear, 4 mags and has the instruction guide with parts list. The warranty card is printed with the date 1955 as is the inside of the top half of the box. The parts list states that the effective date of the prices is 1960.
How can I figure out the Manufacturing date with this information and what is the ballpark value of this gun?

Thanks in advance.

[oif03vet]

I have tried looking on the web as well as search this site. I am not sure if I am searching right or not, but I havent been able to find anything on dating this type of gun.

[Quiet]

Request the history of your S&W handgun

If you desire an in-depth response we can provide a formal letter of authenticity. There is a fee of $50.00 to cover our research, administrative and postage costs.

To order the history of your Smith & Wesson, print this form, fill it out and return it along with a photograph or sketch of your handgun and your check or money order.

If you decide to obtain a history letter, please provide a complete description of the firearm that includes all markings, barrel length, finish, single or double action, exposed or concealed hammer and a photograph or outline sketch. If you do not know the exact caliber of the revolver please measure the length of the cylinder and include that with the description. This will aid in the identification of the handgun. If your revolver is marked with the Model Number it is not necessary to include an outline sketch or photograph.

[586L-Frame]

Get hold of a 3rd edition Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson
for some info.

Also check-out the S&W Forum website and post a thread
in semi-autos.

There are alot of S&W Knowledge on that website.

586L-Frame

[edwardm]

If you call S&W's customer service line and talk to the nice lady, she'll tell you the manufacturing date for the asking, no fee. Same way I found out the info about my 39-2 (a bicentennial gun, it turns out).

Buy that gun and love it. The 39 has got to be one of the best single stack semiauto pistols ever made. I put it up there with the 1911 and the HiPower.

Trying to figure out how to decode the SN on a Smith and Wesson 39 to find out the manufacturing date. If you have any ideas please let me know. I am looking at one that is unfired in its original box, warranty card, cleaning gear, 4 mags and has the instruction guide with parts list. The warranty card is printed with the date 1955 as is the inside of the top half of the box. The parts list states that the effective date of the prices is 1960.
How can I figure out the Manufacturing date with this information and what is the ballpark value of this gun?

Thanks in advance.

[oif03vet]

If you call S&W's customer service line and talk to the nice lady, she'll tell you the manufacturing date for the asking, no fee. Same way I found out the info about my 39-2 (a bicentennial gun, it turns out).

Buy that gun and love it. The 39 has got to be one of the best single stack semiauto pistols ever made. I put it up there with the 1911 and the HiPower.

I will call S&W this afternoon, I think I will definately by this gun, it seems like a good deal. How should I clean it before I shoot it the first time?