A couple of years of ago I bought a Smith & Wesson Victory Model off a friend that supposedly belonged to his dad during WWII. I don't know all the details, but his dad worked as a clerk or some type of office help here in the states. It is a nice tight gun that shoots very well. My question is on the top strap, it is usually marked "property of US States" and on this Victory model there is nothing. Were there any produced without the stamp?

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With all the gazillion of them out there, it is likely that there was some small number without that mark that were military issue. If it is a .38 special, it is maybe more likely. If it is a .38 S&W it is much less likely. If it is 4" that is somewhat more likely, if it is 5" it is somewhat less likely. I'm sure there are some heavy duty Victory specialists out there who know a lot more than I do about them. Serial # and other details would be VERY helpful.

With all the gazillion of them out there, it is likely that there was some small number without that mark that were military issue. If it is a .38 special, it is maybe more likely. If it is a .38 S&W it is much less likely. If it is 4" that is somewhat more likely, if it is 5" it is somewhat less likely. I'm sure there are some heavy duty Victory specialists out there who know a lot more than I do about them. Serial # and other details would be VERY helpful. To me, from the photos, it LOOKS like a 4" and not a cut down 5".

thank you,It's a 38 special with a 4 inch bbl. s/n V 237XXX

According to Charles Pates book on US Handguns of WWII, there may have been some Navy Victory revolvers shipped in 1942 that did not include the "US NAVY" mark on the top strap. There were also a significant number of Victory revolvers that were sold to plant guards, police depts, etc. that did not include either the "US NAVY" or "US PROPERTY GHD" topstrap markings. Only a factory letter would answer the question about this being an actual military issue revolver.

Are there any other markings such as a "P" proof mark, "flaming bomb" mark on the butt, etc?

Hope this helps.

Steve

no other marking on the victory model other than 38 s&w special ctg. on one side of the barrel and Smith & Wesson on the other side. It does say "made in USA" below the cylinder.Top of barrel say's smith&wesson springfield mass usa patented sept.14 08 dec 29 14 if I'm seeing it right. Came in a flap holster.

It looks like a nice one to me, especially with that holster. Most Victorys I've seen do not have the US Property marks. Not sure if they were ground off when they were surplussed of if not that many originally had the mark.

Some clear, closeup pics of the revolver and markings would help.