SMITH & WESSON MODEL 39 ALLOY FRAME EARLY MFG. (PRE-39) Description
9mm Para. cal., short safety, short tang, approx. ser. no. range 1001-2600. Mfg. 1954-1957.
The distinguishing features of the Pre-39 compared to the Model 39 are as follows: short safety, short tang, a unique frame back strap insert and hammer stirrup, a unique left grip (no safety relief), no trigger play spring, no model number on frame, no patent pending on early slides (Late Pre-39 slides have the patent pending; however, slides were fitted without regard for serial numbers. For example, serial number 1069, which was shipped from the factory on Oct. 4, 1955, has the patent pending marking, while 1,150 that shipped on July 7, 1955 does not), two types of early flat magazine followers were used before standardizing on a third type, supplied with an instruction booklet (only the Pre-39s and early Model 39s to about serial number 7,000 were supplied with the instruction booklet).