Designed in the 1960s by Paris Theodore, the ASP takes a Smith & Wesson Model 439 and subjects it to radical modification into a dedicated concealed carry pistol. During the process the pistol is shortened, edges rounded and smooth, hammer bobbed, the triggerguard trimmed on the right side and the sights replaced with a one-piece "Guttersnipe" sighting plane. The grips are simulated black horn with transparent windows which match up with cutouts in the magazine to permit assessment of remaining ammunition. This particular ASP is part of the "Quest for Excellence" limited series, 100 pistols total with a special series marking on the left side of the slide (this one numbered "082" of the set) as well as a set of three high-visibility night sight dots integrated into the Guttersnipe plane; in conditions too dark to use the Guttersnipe, the dots generate a sight picture comparable to more conventional blade and notch night sights. A plethora of accessories are included with the pistol. First is a leather-bound book style case, titled "Quest for Excellence" by Norman, which holds the pistol, an enamel-finished "Death Watch" pin, a matching numbered holdout knife (7" OAL, 3" double edged spear point blade, skeleton grip, nicely balanced) and up to two extra magazines. Second is an assortment of related papers and text, including a vintage ASP catalog (which includes such delights as the Odyssey automotive defense package, "Lucifer's Eye" lighter/camera, and a series of brown fingerprint smudges which may or may not be blood), Quest for Excellence-edition manual with matching numbered envelope, the November/December 1979 edition of American Handgunner featuring the ASP on the cover (with related 3-page fold-out), 3 ASP advertising fliers (2 with price lists), and a hardback edition of John Gardner's Role of Honor (Gardner's 4th James Bond novel, in which the ASP was introduced as his sidearm). Finally, an assortment of add-ons and extras, Included seven extra magazines (2 flat-base, 5 extended), an extra pair of semi-transparent Lexan grips, a matching numbered jewelry case for the Death Watch pin in the book case, 2 Null-brand magazine carriers (1 single, 1 double), an ASP "scabbard" holster and two Null holsters (1 right handed shoulder rig, 1 inside-the-waistband).

Near new with light handling marks. The night dots have lost illumination over time and may be a custom addition to the Guttersnipe. Accessories are excellent. The most complete ASP Pistol set yet offered for sale at this auction.