S&W LONDON

[pahoghunter]

Hi at an upcoming auction I saw listed a revolver the listing reads, "SMITH&WESSON LONDON" serial # V496XXX. Is a VICTORY model with LONDON stamped on it common? Would that stamping command a high price. thanks Bob

[Oyeboteb]

Originally Posted by pahoghunter

Hi at an upcoming auction I saw listed a revolver the listing reads, "SMITH&WESSON LONDON" serial # V496XXX. Is a VICTORY model with LONDON stamped on it common? Would that stamping command a high price. thanks Bob

This would not be a S&W Barrel Stamping.

There were what are called "London Colts", but, there were no 'London Smith & Wessons'.

It might be that the word 'London' is stamped on the Frame somewhere, in association with a Broker located there, who's name may also be stamped along with the word London, who after WWII had wholesaled the Revolver out, changed the Barrel length, or who had modified it to accept .38 Special, revamped the mechanicals, or whatever else, also.

As far as I know, in this context, the presence of the Word 'London' or the name of a Broker or Wholesaler stamped into the Frame, would not add any value.

And, if it is converted from .38-200, to .38 Special, the conversion would lessen the value from examples which remain un-converted.

I have seen some early WWI Era S&W 'M&P's which had English Stampings including the names of some Gun Dealer, and their City...but I imagine this would be a less common of an occurance for those of a WWII era ( even though no one would care one way or the other, other than to note it in passing...).

[pahoghunter]

Thank you I am going to the auction house later today and look at the gun. thanks Bob

[pahoghunter]

It was a Cogswell and Harrison. It was very nice, I would guess it was reblued?

[Oldiron]

That makes more sense. There was a thread several weeks ago with the Cogswell and Harrison marking on it. You might want to try and find that thread and compare.
Larry

[Oyeboteb]

If it has been 'converted' form .38-200, to .38 Special, be advised that the 'conversion' will have removed what value and real utility it had previously had.

It will still function, but will bulge the Cases and will simply never be right.

Very likely is re-finished also...which simply adds to it's deficits as far as almost all possible interest could be concerned.

Original, unaltered, original refinish S&W .38-200 Revolvers are one thing.

Modified and refinished ones, another.


Just so you know!

[pahoghunter]

Just the fact that its been redone I'm going to pass. I'm going to have to do some research on these for some reason I thought they were all 38 spec.?

[pahoghunter]

That site is great it will give me good reading. I guess I am puzzled as to why? if S&W had the 38 spl. in 1902 why did they chamber the Victory model in 38 S&W?

[pahoghunter]

The gun brought $150.00, sounds cheap enough?

[hsguy]

Originally Posted by pahoghunter

That site is great it will give me good reading. I guess I am puzzled as to why? if S&W had the 38 spl. in 1902 why did they chamber the Victory model in 38 S&W?

The Victory model was chambered in both 38 SW and 38 Special. The Allied forces other than the US used the 38 SW as their standard caliber while the 38 Special was primarily for the US market.

[Oyeboteb]

Originally Posted by pahoghunter

The gun brought $150.00, sounds cheap enough?

That sounds about like what one would expect.

Are you interested particularly in having a WWII era S&W 'M&P'? whether a 'Victory' or 'pre-Victory'...

If so, take your time, keep studying them, study the Auctions on Gunbroker, Auctionarms, Gunsamerica, or wherever else, and, find one which is original condition and correct and in good mechanical condition, whether it is the .38-200 or the .38 Special, and, you will have something to enjoy, be proud of, go shooting with, and which is still retains it's Value and allure.