I didn't have a Victory model, and had been looking for an example. Finally saw this one, but was broke. Went back several months later & it was still available. So here's another one for the data base: V672279
It has been engraved, probably in Germany, ca. 1952. Evidently presented to a member of the US Army Europe Engineer School for service 1948-1952, as engraved on the left side plate.

The grips were checkered as shown in the pix. The grip stamped number does not match the gun serial number. The head of the grip screw was is also engraved with sunburst pattern lines.

38 S&W ctg, 5" barrel, no sign of it being fired.

The EUCOM engineer school was located at Kimbro Kaserne, Murnau, Germany during the period engraved on the revolver.

No other information available so far.








rayb

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"cumplo pero no obedezco"

Interesting that it's a .38/200. That would be one way to get rid of any British markings!

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

That is both unexpected and kind of nice. Thumbs up!

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David Wilson

I agree with David. Unexpected, but nice. From what we can see, the engraving appears to be quite good and you certainly won't confuse it with any other Victories that you may run across.

Bob

Very handsome... except maybe the barrel looks a little naked.

I have a Navy contract VM that is very close in serial. I'll check it when I get home.

Great to see the previous owners took care of it.
That's a good looking vm.

A fine addition to anyone's collection. I wish hit were mine.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

So where is the photo of the left sideplate??? You can't make a statement like that and then not post a picture!!!

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James Redfield
LM #497

I really like it.I have a 1948 K22 that was engraved in Germany,circa 1952.Quality engraving was available at very reasonable prices in that timeframe.

Interesting in that the engraver left the barrel alsmost untouched, excpt for the small area at the top. Is the other side a mirrow image of the same design? Ed.

Here you go. Name marked out.



rayb

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"cumplo pero no obedezco"

Not exactly. Also see previous reply.



Thanks for your interest.

rayb

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"cumplo pero no obedezco"

That's one in a million, rayb ! Good on ya !

Larry

Quote from original post:

"The EUCOM engineer school was located at Kimbro Kaserne, Murnau, Germany during the period engraved on the revolver. "

CORRECTION/clarification: The kasserne at Murnau, an artilllery kasserne 1938-1945, was not renamed Kimbro Kasserne by the US Army until 1957. So the Engineer School was located at Murnau, bur it was not known as Kimbro Kasserne until after the period indicated by the engraving.

Search for information about the person involved continues.
rayb

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"cumplo pero no obedezco"

rayb,

As I said earlier, I think that is a very interesting and "one of a kind" revolver. Chasing the history of these things is often more exciting that the simple ownership.

We often see folks who obscure the serial number of a gun for various reasons (most of which are probably over reaction), however, I can't remember anyone obscuring an engraved name on a gun that is several generations old. I think that by doing so you are closing the door on a great opportunity to use this Forum to assist you in your search. We have seen several instances in the past where Forum members have been instrumental in opening doors that have led to filling out the history of these old guns and their owners.

Bob

Very nice looking!

The serial number seems to be within a range of guns showing stampings of "Bavaria Police" and/or ones with German proof marks.

Keep searching the name on the plate and this link:

Germany, Savannah, and Fort Leavenworth

In 1949 Mumau, Germany, was not a big city. We were met by someone from the Engineer
School and taken to the colonel's home, Colonel S. A. Armogida, for our first night. He had a
great house. Our second night was in our assigned house at the end of a dark street with no lights,
on the fringes of Mumau.
Just the day before we landed, Jug got his orders to Hanau. He was very happy. Then my orders
came and we were going to go to Murnau -the Engineer School. Our old Ford had not arrived
when we landed in Bremerhaven, so we went to Murnau on the train. The track was smooth and
we had a good night on the train.

Also, commanded the 313th Engineer Combat Battalion, 16 March 1943

Meanwhile, the Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Armogida, with five officers and twelve enlisted men, joined the Division advance combat detachment and left for the fighting fronts in Italy.

Also... 1168th Engineer Combat Group, with Lt. Col. Salvatore A. Armogida in command.

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Linda
SWCA #1965, SWHF #245

Good work, Linda! That opens up a lot of avenues for further research...and thanks for quickly making my point.

Bob

rayb,

It looks like you have a real hero on your hands. If you check this link you will find that the 313th Eng. Batt. under Armogida's command was commended by Pres. Roosevelt in early 1943 for civilian service in a major flood of the Arkansas River.

Shortly thereafter the 313th Engineers went to Casablanca to participate in the North Africa Campaign. Armogida then went to Italy to fight his way up to Rome in that crucial campaign, etc., etc.

http://www.milhist.net/88/313engr.html

Lots more if you follow those units on Google.

Bob

Very, very cool!!

Ykesssss I realy dont like it.

Well, I took a little flak over the name blank out, but there were reasons and research has continued.

After some digging:

1. Still lack an S&W letter.
2. Haven't completely resolved to my satisfaction a one letter difference in the spelling of the last name engraved on the gun and what I've found.

Given #2, here's what I believe to be some related information:

Revolver was probably presented to a professional soldier who:

a. West Point Class of 1935, entered West Point from Ohio
b. Initial assignment as 2LT was to the 2nd Field Artillery at Ft Sam Houston, TX
c. Received an MS Engineering degree, Cornell University, 1939
d. Commanded at least 2 Engineer Heavy Ponton Battalions in USA as a Major - 1942-1943, Plattsburg Barracks, NY and Camp Maxey, TX
e. Commanded a Combat Engineer Battalion in US, Algeria and Italy - as a Lt Col 1943 - 1944
f. Commanded an Engineer Group as a full Colonel 1944- ??
g. Commanded the EUCOM Engineer School, as indicated by the engraved dates on the revolver, 1948-1952
h. Later assignments in Washington DC and Germany, possibly other countries
i. probably retired from the Army in May 1965
j. Had a subsequent career as a civil engineer (California Professional Engineer License # 17XXX) in the Roads & Engineers ?division? of San Mateo County CA, and retired from that organization
k. Died 2000, Buried Ft Sam Houston National cemetery
l. 2 sons are also West point graduates

research continues.

rayb

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"cumplo pero no obedezco"

Good piece of research, Digi-Shots and rayb!