*Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 ASP Modified Pistol

9mm. 3.25" barrel. SN: A581076. Blackened finish, smooth clear Lexan grips to allow cartridge counting. Conventional double action tilting barrel semi-automatic handgun with removable magazine, modified for discreet concealed carry. Original Smith & Wesson markings mostly intact, although part of the four-line patent and address information on the left of the slide is machined away where the serrations were removed. The ASP was one of the first purpose designed concealed carry or backup duty pistols in a real duty caliber to be introduced to the firearms market. Using a Smith & Wesson Model 39 as the base pistol, the modifications to the gun were designed by Paris Theodore of Seventrees Custom Gun Leather and Armament Systems & Procedures, INC, thus the sobriquet "ASP". Theodore had a reputation of being sort of a real life "Q" as in the James Bond books and films and designed and built a variety of items intended for use in spy craft. Some of the primary modifications to the stock guns included shortening the barrel and slide, using a fixed barrel bushing, the addition of the unique "Guttersnipe" rear sight, the elimination of the front sight and bobbing the hammer. Additional improvements included de-horning the gun to remove the sharp edges and even the cocking serrations on the slide. He also installed clear Lexan grips that allowed the cartridges in the special cut-away magazine to be seen and counted. Another feature was the modification of the triggerguard to a hooked profile to provide a purchase for the off-hand index finger when supporting the pistol. Many of these design innovations were subsequently included in other Smith & Wesson handguns and are commonly encountered on current production firearms today. Theodore produced these guns from the 1970s through 1982 when ASP Corporation of Appleton, WI was licensed to produce the design. This appears to be one of the original Paris Theodore ASP pistols and includes a single original magazine. A rare opportunity to own one of the original compact concealed carry pistols that helped to inspire an entire segment of the modern firearms industry and was famous enough in its day to make appearances in James Bond novels. {MODERN}

From the Collection of Jeffrey W. Sanner

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Fine. Bore is bright with strong rifling and showing some frosting in the grooves. Metal retains nearly all of the blackened finish with clear, legible markings with the exception of those slightly impacted by the machining of the slide. Mechanically functional action. Grips very good with some scuffs and minor marks.

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Mr. Tim Carey

Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria

timcarey@freemansauction.com 513.666.4984

Mr. Carey joined Cowan’s, a Freeman's company, in 2021 and is a 40-year veteran of the sporting arms and outdoor recreation industry. Carey joined Cowan’s from Griffin & Howe at Hudson Farms in Andover, N.J., where he was responsible for the acquisition, appraisal, and consignment of top-tier firearms consignments from important makers such as James Purdey & Sons of London, Beretta, Caesar Guerini, B. Rizzini, Bertuzzi, Renato Telo, and Anderson Wheeler.

Mr. Tim Prince

Senior Consulting Specialist, Arms, Armor & Militaria

timprince@freemansauction.com 312 280 1212

Tim Prince has more than 30-years of experience in the field of antique and collectible arms and is a nationally recognized expert in the area of Civil War small arms. A long-time researcher and author, Tim has been a contributing author to two major books about Civil War firearms, including The English Connection: Arms, Material and Support Furnished to the Confederate States of America by Great Britain (2014) and Confederate Shotguns and Southern Agent Marked Shotguns (2017). He was also a major contributor to the recently updated Blue Book of Antique American Firearms & Values – 2nd Edition (2019) as well as the 2010 updates to the Civil War Collector's Price Guide - 12th edition. Over the last decade Tim has authored more than 50 articles on 19th century collectible and military arms, which have been published in such varied publications as Civil War News, North-South Trader, and Military Antique Collector. Since 2016 has appeared as a featured appraiser in the field of Arms & Militaria on the popular PBS television series Antiques Roadshow. He is a member of the American Society of Arms Collectors and currently serves on the board of directors of that organization. He is also a member of and formerly served on the board of directors of the Society of American Bayonet Collectors. Tim is a life member of the Ohio Valley Military Society, the Tennessee Military Collectors Association, the Alabama Military Collectors Association, is a member of the Company of Military Historians and is a member of numerous other colleting groups and societies. He is the owner of College Hill Arsenal, a web based antique and collectible arms retail web site, specializing in the American Civil War and related military items. Tim has engaged in the business of buying, selling, researching, and appraising antique and collectible arms and associated military items for some three decades. Since 2016 he has also served as a senior Consulting Specialist in the field of Arms, Armor & Militaria for Cowan’s Auctions, a Freeman's Company.

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*Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 ASP Modified Pistol

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