This is an excellent example of one of 3,500 early "no-dash" Model 52 semi-automatic pistols manufactured circa 1961-1963. The left side of the slide is marked "SMITH & WESSON" followed by the four line address and "PAT'S PENDING" on the right side below the ejection port. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number over "MODEL-52" and the S&W Trade Mark logo is on the opposite. The barrel chamber is marked with the two line caliber marking. Smith & Wesson featured this world class center fire match pistol at the Winter National Matches in Jacksonville, FL in 1963. Company executives and gunsmiths in attendance. The pistol was in great demand by competitors and PFC Goddard was able to purchase this hard to get example from C. Linza, the Jacksonville pistol smith who said he could not shoot it well as the grip frame was too large for his hand. The top of the slide ahead of the rear sight is marked "C. LINZA/JAX. FLA.". Blade front and adjustable rear target sights and fitted with checkered walnut grips, with cardboard spacers. The pistol comes with two magazines marked "S&W" on the bottom and "C" LINZA/PISTOLSMITH/JAX., FLA." on the lower left side. This pistol was William Goddard's personal center fire match pistol and similar to another lot in this auction (Lot 1764).

Excellent. The pistol retains 97% original blue finish with some edge wear, some finish loss on the underside of the slide and frame. There is some edge wear and a small area of minor pitting on the upper left side of the slide. The grips are fine with 90% original varnish remaining, and showing some minor handling marks and sharp checkering. The markings are sharp and clear. The action is excellent.