Oklahoma City just had a gun show and one of the vendors had three Victory model Smiths. There were varying barrel lengths and finishes. One of the revolver's grip to frame fit was pretty poor (maybe not original grips?). Asking prices were less than $400. After seeing some of the recent threads on these historical Smiths I was wondering what a range of realistic values are for these. I know there are several variables; I'm looking for value of an "average" type Victory model. Are the Victory models OK to shoot with modern ammo? Any input is appreciated. Thanks to all who post.

Hog

Most original Victory revolvers were either a 5 inch barrel in 38 S & W caliber (British Service Revolvers) or the 4 inch barrel in 38 Special (US Service Revolver). There were a very few 2 inch barrel 38 Special revolvers made. Most Victory Revolvers came in a flat finish and were not polished (visible machining and tool marks etc). The original grips are smooth walnut (non-magna). There are also some "pre-Victory" British Service Revolvers that were polished blue with standard (checkered) non-magna grips. Revolvers marked "FTR" are those that have been rebuilt by the military.

There were many 5 inch 38 S&W revolvers that were sold surplus by the British after WWII and many of these were modified with cut barrels and some were rechambered to allow use of 38 Special. These modified British Service Revolvers are much less valuable than original unmodified revolvers. Some may be unsafe to shoot due to a loose chamber size.

Original US Service Revolvers with all matching numbers (including the grips) are usually the most valuable and most costly.

It is safe to use modern ammo in these revolvers that are in the original caliber (not rechambered), but Smith & Wesson recommends against using +P.

Values are all over the board based on condition and rarity. I have seen shooter grade British Service Revolvers in the $200 range and original US Navy marked Victorys for $600 and up. The very rare original 2 inch barrel guns require a Smith & Wesson factory letter for authentication and these can sell for more than $1,000.

Hope this helps.

Steve

Steve,

Thanks for the information. One of the Victory revolvers I looked at had a 5" barrel and what looked like a dull (parkerized?) finish. This was the one with walnut grips that appeared too small for the frame. I'll have to take a closer look at them all to look at markings.

Phil

The British lend lease units do have a dull parkerized finish and walnut grips. If the grips are original, the serial number of the gun will be stamped into the wood on the inside face. I have seen decent ones in the $400-500 range. Shooters as little as $250.

I will most likely be selling mine soon. I am not a collector per-se, so I don't really have a use for mine.

I apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong thread but it seemed to be the best place. A good friend of mine just got a hold of a 2" S&W Victory model. If he can get a letter of certification would it be valued at $1,000 or more? I'll try attaching 2 pictures below. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Pictures.

If the serial numbers (bottom of grip frame, rear cylinder face, barrel flat) all match this increases the chances this is an original 2” gun. The serial number ranges for these are well-known, so if you can post even an approximate number (like V 123xxx) someone here can let you know if it falls in the era of known examples, but the letter of authenticity from the SWHF is the only way to be 100% certain it is original. If so, it is worth well over $1000.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I'm not a big Victory fan (I like my guns shiny), but that one is pretty neat!

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611

Indeed. We have experts like Kevin Wiliams here who will be able to confirm the details, but an all-original documented specimen in this gun’s apparent condition would likely bring several thousand.

Btw., you should really start a separate thread and be sure to put 2” Victory in the title, so all realize what this is about.

I'll start a thread later on today when time allows. I appreciate all the info. The serial number starts with V176xxx.

If I remember correctly, that sounds promising

ExiledvikingII, Your PM box is full (probably with offers) so I was unable to respond to your PM. Please email me at kevin at kwill dot com.

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208