Originally Posted by grendelbean

Roy kindly gave his opinion the Navy Victory Model was indeed refinished at the factory in November 1961. This Victory was refinished for an individual collector, as has been previously suggested and pointed out. An advertisement of the time, provided by another member, shows S&W did refinish for individuals on a single-gun basis - for about $16.50. Victory Models were refinished in the original finish only, not changed to another kind of finish. All this knowledge from others in the forum and is respectfully appreciated. I begin to feel I am learning something about these great pieces of history.