Was looking at a victory model today.
Serial 46906X
don't recall a V.
Marked GDH US property
frame and cylinder serial numbers match.
Gun is blued
If I look in the cylinder, the chambers appear to have a step in them. I assume this means it was not bored out for .38 special?
It is marked 38 S&W with no rechamber stampings.
The lock up is good with a little play but does not seem too bad.
I would say the finish is a bit too good to be original, and am wondering if it was parkerized when new?

I am not that excited about adding another caliber to my collection, and am thinking of just looking for one in 38 special unless this one is something unique.

Fair price of just under $300? do we think this was refinished? what year would it have been made.

Thanks,
TD

This would be GHD (not GDH) - Guy H. Drewry.
There are guys here who are more knowledgeable than I am on the Victories, but here are a couple comments.
The serial seems a bit low - I would have expected it to be over 680,000. On the other hand, we know that there were guns sent to England with this chambering under Lend/Lease before the V was added to the serial number and perhaps some with much lower numbers got included.
Is the property mark on the top strap?
Are Mr. Drewry's initials on the sideplate?
The dull finish could be original. It would not have been "Parkerized," I don't believe.
I hope this helps some.
JP

Yes, Sorry, it was a typo Top strap is marked US Property GHD.
No GHD markings on side plate that I saw.
It is a dull blued finish.

TD

The other guys will, I'm sure, chime in soon. But one more thing to check - on the butt, make sure there is no V in front of the serial number. Sometimes it will be quite away from the number itself (in other words, there may be a V followed by a long gap before the numbers start). Without a V, this seems like an awfully low 4th Change number to be included in the LL or contract revolvers that went over the Isles.
Good luck.
JP

It sounds to be an original Victory Model as you describe it. These were originally roughly (metal unpolished) finished in Black Magic, similar to Parkerizing, and would look anywhere between a dull medium to dark grey. It should have the V prefix as JP noted. I think it would be from late 1943, but others here have better data and can let you know for sure.

If it is original and mechanically sound with all matching parts $300 is a good price; nice, unaltered examples are hard to find. Can you post photos?

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I can't take pics. It is at a gun shop. The finish you describe is right on. grey/blue/blackish and not polished.

It has a bit of cylinder play when cocked, but I don't think any more than most revovlers.

Is the fact that I see stepped diameters in the chambers an indicator that it is still 38S&W? If it had been blown out to 38 spl, would the diameter be the same all the way through?

they have $295 on it.

I am thinking of passing and picking up a true 38 spl version to keep from adding another caliber I have to stock.

TD

The 38 S&W is not for casual shooters who don't reload. Factory ammo is scarce and pricey. If you reload then all you need is a set of dies.

Price sounds good. But if you are not sure then pass on it.

I have one about like what you have described. I wanted a 38 S&W version
because I have so many different Smiths and Colt 38 Specials I just wanted something different.
I shot a box through it tonight and I really do like it. It is more accurate then I can hold it and I really like the cartridge, I load Trail Boss powder and a
146 Round nose Missouri Lead Bullet.I just all ways want something different