V .38 CTG

mlc5473 · #1 02-01-2012, 04:37 PM

I am new to the forum, so sorry if all this information is out there. I received a few guns from my mother that she had that were my grandfathers. One of them was the 38 CTG. It has several stamps on it: The crown with BNP, US Property GHD, both of which I believe I know what they are and what they stand for. However, there are a couple more that I am not familiar with: 1-Right above the cylinder, there a stamp of a Star. Anyone know what that is? 2-On the backstrap (handle) there appears to be some initials TKD 1.45. Any idea what this could be? Also, any idea of the approximate age from the serial number: V 326315? Thanks.

Goony · #2 02-01-2012, 05:15 PM

First off, welcome to the forum.

What you have sounds like a Victory model in its British Service Revolver configuration. I believe from the serial number you've given it probably was shipped in the latter part of 1943. If it hasn't been altered, it should be in .38 S&W caliber, and chamber that round but not a .38 Special (the legend on the side of the barrel should read ".38 S&W CTG."

Posting a photo would help all of us here in assessing accurately exactly what you have.

Art Doc · #3 02-01-2012, 05:32 PM

Man, I completely forgot about the V CTGs.

Waidmann · #4 02-01-2012, 05:40 PM

The crowned BNP (Birmingham Nitro Proof) indicates the revolver was submitted for a required examination and test firing as it entered commerce. On the left side or underside of the barrel may be .38" .767", 3.5 Tons. This form of proof dates from 1954.

The star and other marks, I have no idea at present.

I concur with Gooney's text 100% to include photos.

mlc5473 · #5 02-01-2012, 06:22 PM

Here are some pictures..

mlc5473 · #6 02-01-2012, 06:24 PM

Here are 3 more..

Goony · #7 02-01-2012, 07:23 PM

Well, that nickel finish certainly isn't original, nor those stocks (grips), so the collector value is pretty much nil. The cylinder has not been replaced, so for shooting, I'd stick to .38 S&W even if .38 Special will chamber (there is an outside possibility the cylinder was sleeved, in which case .38 Special will chamber but not .38 S&W, in which case a mild .38 Special load would be called for, but even then, accuracy won't be all that great).

Cyrano · #8 02-01-2012, 11:57 PM

I've never seen that KKV 1.45 stamping before. The only stamping I've seen in that place is NZ (broad arrow) and below it a four digit property number for guns that went to New Zealand. Curious. I hope the Victory gurus will come along soon to clarify the situation.

Dpris · #9 02-02-2012, 02:44 AM

And for future reference if you discuss it elsewhere it's not a .38 CTG, that's the caliber.
Denis

walnutred · #10 02-02-2012, 06:09 AM

I expect that KKV are one of three things: A previous owners initials and the date he acquired it. The date and initials of a small battle or engagement that had a significant impact on the previous owner. The abbreviation of a military unit that pistol was assigned to at one time. I expect the first as being the most likely.

Cricker · #11 02-02-2012, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaxonPig

Man, I completely forgot about the V CTGs.

And +P hasn't been mentioned yet!

mlc5473 · #12 02-02-2012, 11:53 AM

Any possibility it could be this: kkd WW-II German ordnance code assigned to Wilhelm Stern, Lederwarenfabrik, Posen, Germany.

handejector · #13 02-02-2012, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlc5473

Any possibility it could be this: kkd WW-II German ordnance code assigned to Wilhelm Stern, Lederwarenfabrik, Posen, Germany.

I doubt it.
Remember- WW II guns were passed around the world after the war and could have been used anywhere.
I've seen Vic's with the star of David on them, presumably having been used in Israel.

Your gun has the original 38 S&W cyl reamed for 38 Special.

Art Doc · #14 02-02-2012, 06:26 PM

Post-war police stamping?

Buford57 · #15 02-02-2012, 06:56 PM

Are my eyes playing tricks or is the barrel still parkerized?