I have been looking at this particular 4" .38 Special Victory model S&W for quite a while. I finally decided to go ahead and get it. I haven't lettered it yet, but do know that it shipped in October of 1943.

I'm not sure if it's a Defense Supply model or an Army Supply Contract. I'm hoping a few of the more knowledgeable forum members might help out.

The left side is marked "Civil Defense" as you can see in the pics. It's got the U.S. Property stamping, ordnance bomb & acceptance on the top strap. There are no "P" proof marks anywhere.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: digi-shots,

It's a Defense Supply Comm. shipped gun. (Non-military) They are usually seen with the crude electric pencil style "Civil Defense" marking, as yours is, and sometimes with a location or city also indicated. I've had several variations in my collection. Unfortunately it's also an easy job to fake the markings, so if the seller isn't known to be honest and wants a high price, beware, unless it has a factory letter indicating a destination that you can tie to a Civil Defense unit.

Thanks! My first thought was that it was a DSC gun, but I didn't think the DSC models had US PROPERTY or acceptance stamped on the topstrap.

I have V 425132, not far off from your gun. Mine shipped to the U.S. Navy in California on Oct. 23rd 1943. I don't know how many guns were in an average shipment, but I would not be suprised to learn that your gun went to the Navy as well. I believe many of these guns were later transferred from the military to civil defense units and other agencies and the markings were added after transfer.

quote:

Originally posted by digi-shots:
There's no "P" proof marks anywhere.

I believe that I detect a very faint "P" proof mark in the above picture on the frame just forward of (and slightly higher than) the hammer half way to the cylinder opening.

Check it out carefully - mine has a "P" proof mark in that same location.

Ron

Thanks, Ron!

I looked again very closely with a loop and there's nothing there... maybe a slight dent or a few scratches.

Here's a close-up of the area:



John, thanks for the info on your Navy shipped Victory. What kind of stampings, etc. are on it? Do you have any pics that you can post?

Mine is marked the same as your's with the exception of the civil defense marking

Hi Linda:

I do not think your revolver was a DSC gun. When you get your factory letter I think chances are very high that it will show this revolver as having been shipped to the US Navy.

The Civil Defense markings were applied post-war when the CD received many secondary weapons from the Government.

Hope that helps you.

Regards,
Charlie Flick
S&WCA #729
NRA Life

Charlie,

Thanks so much!

The "Civil Defense" scratching on the side looks like it's been there for quite a while.

I'll have to put this Victory on the list to be lettered.

I've got questions on another "Victory" but will start a new posting.

Linda
SWCA #1965