Hi all, I have a Smith & Wesson Model of 1905, 4th change pre-Victory model "United States Property" marked, and all correct /matching numbers except for the grips (right panel to be exact). It has the WB, Ordnance Bomb, and P proof on the butt. Australian FTR markings below the "Made in USA" indicating it was part of a Lend-Lease to Australia. Caliber is .38 S&W, properly marked on the matching numbered barrel.

SN is 891xxx.

Questions are:

1) Approximate date of manufacture? I'm thinking late 1941/early 1942.

2) Are these pre-Victory models more or less collectible than the V prefix "Victory" models?

I have tried selling it and one interested buyer decided to pass based solely on the fact that it did not have a V-prefix.

Thank you!