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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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  #101  
Old 04-29-2012, 08:01 PM
05srt10 05srt10 is offline
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Thanks for any help with the age of this one V11962 it has been nickeled .
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  #102  
Old 04-29-2012, 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 05srt10 View Post
Thanks for any help with the age of this one V11962 it has been nickeled .
If indeed that's five digits after the "V" and not six, it most likely shipped in May or June of 1942. Too bad it was nickeled. Which caliber is it?
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Old 04-29-2012, 11:07 PM
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It is 5 digits,and it is 38 special, and I hate that it has been nickeled. I have one pic on my computer and most forums I can post but here won't work don't know why maybe low post count?Will search for instructions maybe pic is too big.Thanks for the info.[http://speednut.smugmug.com/Other/pl...Guns-221-M.jpg

Last edited by 05srt10; 04-29-2012 at 11:58 PM.
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  #104  
Old 04-30-2012, 12:05 PM
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I have s/n "V285415", a four inch complete.US PROPERTY WITH GHD,still all original... ?? DOM
Thanks
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  #105  
Old 04-30-2012, 03:57 PM
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I have s/n "V285415", a four inch complete.US PROPERTY WITH GHD,still all original... ?? DOM Thanks
That should've gone out the door in 1943. If you can post a photo or two, you will likely be able to find out a bit more about your gun and its originality from the folks here.
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  #106  
Old 04-30-2012, 05:30 PM
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Thanks, I'll see if I can do that tomorrow.
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  #107  
Old 05-05-2012, 02:40 PM
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Any help with V469814 marked "US Property G. H. D." on the top strap and "38 s&w ctg" on right side of barrel. It is a complete numbers matching gun including grips. Thanks.
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  #108  
Old 05-05-2012, 06:18 PM
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My 13 year old boy just picked up his Victory today.
S/N V 383737 , all numbers match even the right grip panel, I'm thinking it's 85-90%, stamped US PROPERTY GHD, right side of the barrel is stamped 38 S&W SPECIAL CTG.
Anyone know when this may have been made?
We haven't shot it yet but we will.
Sorry but I can't figure out how to down load pictures with my DROID .
If someone will send me their email address I'll send you the pictures and you can down load them for me.

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  #109  
Old 05-05-2012, 07:23 PM
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Any help with V469814 marked "US Property G. H. D." on the top strap and "38 s&w ctg" on right side of barrel. It is a complete numbers matching gun including grips. Thanks.
That one probably shipped sometime in late 1943, although early 1944 is not out of the question.

How about posting a photo or two? Also, have you checked to see if the cylinder has been modified to accept .38 Special?
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  #110  
Old 05-05-2012, 11:27 PM
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Thanks for the quick response. I don't think it was ever converted to .38 special. But here are some pictures anyway.




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Last edited by fordmech00; 05-05-2012 at 11:30 PM. Reason: added pictures
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  #111  
Old 06-25-2012, 05:30 PM
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hey guys , i picked up another victory model a us property ghd marked version all original and i believe it is still in 38 s&w serial number v654xxx.

on the back of the handle between the two wood grips it is marked
HF - M

anyone know what this might mean?
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  #112  
Old 06-25-2012, 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by longdongsilver View Post
hey guys , i picked up another victory model a us property ghd marked version all original and i believe it is still in 38 s&w serial number v654xxx.

on the back of the handle between the two wood grips it is marked
HF - M

anyone know what this might mean?
A pretty late gun that most likely shipped in the latter part of 1944. A lot of these, especially in that .38 S&W chambering, ended up being surplus for the U.S. Gov't (or whoever they furnished it to) once the war was over, and under those circumstances, its disposition and later employment could be very difficult to pin down. If somebody knows what that cryptic "HF-M" marking means, it'll just be a matter of good fortune.
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  #113  
Old 06-25-2012, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Goony View Post
If somebody knows what that cryptic "HF-M" marking means, it'll just be a matter of good fortune.
And this is his lucky day. If longdongsilver will provide the complete serial number of the revolver by posting it here, by PM or by email to me I can interpret that marking for him based on information in the Victory Model Database.
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  #114  
Old 06-25-2012, 07:18 PM
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pm sent , thanks a bunch
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  #115  
Old 06-25-2012, 09:48 PM
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LongDong:

Thanks for your PM sending me your complete serial number.

I believe that the marking on your Victory's back strap is not HF-M but rather HE-M. These markings were hand-stamped and since the back strap is not a flat surface there was often some trouble in getting a complete marking.

The HE-M marking designates a revolver that served with the Municipal Police of the West German state of Hessen, which was located in the US Occupation Zone. These revolvers were provided by the US Military in the late 1940s.

From the Victory Model Database, which my pal LWCmdr45 and I administer, I can estimate for you that your revolver likely shipped from the factory in the August-September, 1944 time frame.

I hope that this information has been helpful to you.
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  #116  
Old 06-25-2012, 11:21 PM
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It is certainly all our good fortune to have guys like Charlie who have labored to compile information like this, and be willing to share it.
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  #117  
Old 06-26-2012, 06:23 AM
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It is certainly all our good fortune to have guys like Charlie who have labored to compile information like this, and be willing to share it.
Amen to that!!
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  #118  
Old 06-26-2012, 05:59 PM
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Default victory pics

received tons of great info from ordnanceguy and want to thank him for his efforts in providing me with some answers on my victory model , thanks a ton my friend!

decided to take some pics and post them for anyone interested.














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  #119  
Old 06-26-2012, 08:35 PM
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I have V223047 in a 38 special, 2 inch barrel. Stamped US Navy, numbers match on grip, butt and cylinder.

victory model-photo-jpg
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  #120  
Old 06-27-2012, 03:58 PM
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Fishnic:

Thanks for posting the data on your Navy Victory. I will get it added to the Victory Model Database.
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  #121  
Old 06-27-2012, 07:29 PM
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Default Just purchased this victory yesterday

I bought this one yesterday. Serial number v405602 it is marked u.s property ghd. It is all original and all numbers match except the grips. The barrel is marked .38 s&w special ctg.
I made the mistake of not researching it until after I bought it so I think I overpaid.
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  #122  
Old 06-27-2012, 07:46 PM
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I bought this one yesterday. Serial number v405602 it is marked u.s property ghd. It is all original and all numbers match except the grips. The barrel is marked .38 s&w special ctg. I made the mistake of not researching it until after I bought it so I think I overpaid.
First off, welcome to the forum.

Your Victory should've shipped in 1943. Can you post a photo?
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  #123  
Old 06-28-2012, 12:03 AM
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I have had 2 Victory model pass into/through my collection, both 4" .38 Specials. The first was U.S. Navy marked and was SN V105509. The other was U.S. property marked and is still in my collection. SN V395721

(these may have already been added to your database years ago if I just posted about them, but I 'm pretty sure I've never specifically posted about them in your threads)

Rob
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  #124  
Old 06-28-2012, 01:38 PM
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Milsurpmaster:

I join Gooney in welcoming you to the Forum, and thank you for providing the data on your revolver for the Database.
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  #125  
Old 06-28-2012, 01:40 PM
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Teddydog:

Thanks for providing the data on your two Victory Models. We did not have either one in the Database. Every bit helps.
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  #126  
Old 06-28-2012, 05:07 PM
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832546, a pre-Victory without any military markings at all.
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  #127  
Old 06-29-2012, 11:29 AM
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Hi Guys,
I just bought V329695 from the grandson of a WWII vet. .38 Special, 4 inch barrel, nice original grips and lanyard ring. Parkerized finish. "U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D." on topstrap. I suspect mid 1943. Am I close? Thanks.
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  #128  
Old 06-29-2012, 05:28 PM
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Default Please date these two Victory (s)

I have a USN, Ser. # 238863 w/ original Boyt air holster and Lend-Lease Ser. # 151994 w/ British BNP proofs. I think the USN dates to 1942, but how about the Brit? It has original (I think) brush blue finish. I intend to letter them soon.

Thanks -
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  #129  
Old 06-29-2012, 05:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Selahs&w View Post
I have a USN, Ser. # 238863 w/ original Boyt air holster and Lend-Lease Ser. # 151994 w/ British BNP proofs. I think the USN dates to 1942, but how about the Brit? It has original (I think) brush blue finish. I intend to letter them soon.
Your Navy Victory ought to have shipped in early 1943. Your British Service Revolver is from 1942 and should've also originally had a phosphate finish. The important thing to check with that one is that it doesn't chamber both .38 S&W and .38 Special.

How about posting some photos?
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  #130  
Old 06-30-2012, 01:18 PM
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1. S/N V86187 stamped US NAVY

2. S/N V319983 stamped US PROPERTY GHD

Both are also stamped S.P.D. on the left side. Both are .38 Special.
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  #131  
Old 07-01-2012, 09:41 PM
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Default Victory Model

I have a collection of guns that belong to my dad. He was a lieutenant in the navy and served aboard a mine sweeper in the Pacific. He brought back an S&W 38 special, a 45 automatic and an m1 carbine. The 38 has a serial no of V424979. I have my dad’s discharge paper showing the 45 sign out to him and release to my dad. Now this is all type out on onion paper with all the dates and everything. The thing is that also on this same paper is written out in ink is the 38. This looks like it is my dad’s hand writing. I never really asked my dad about it. There are no papers with the m1 carbine. He told me that it was issued to him but he did not have to sign for it. That’s ok as I have checked this happened sometime. However the 38 bothers me because as I understand how the gun came to him does not match up with having the gun sign out to him. I think the story of how he got the gun is the true story. I think my dad later listed the 38 on the release papers for the 45. Why he would have done this I do not know.
I am going to send for the information so I can have all the paper work to go with it. If anyone on the forum has any information on this gun I would like to know.
One other thing is that it does not have us government or us navy on it. It is however parkerized.
I am sorry the pictures are not that good.
Thanks Ron
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  #132  
Old 07-01-2012, 10:57 PM
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First off, Ron, welcome to the forum. No need to apologize for any photos posted....

A Victory just several hundred before the serial number of your dad's is known to have shipped in October of 1943. Guns without a topstrap marking usually shipped per contracts with the Defense Supplies Corporation or the U.S. Maritime Commission.

Hope this information is helpful to you.
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  #133  
Old 07-01-2012, 11:16 PM
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Default navy?

The story I got was that he got the 38 from a pilot. I think he said he was a marine pilot. So I am wondering how a marine pilot would have come by it. Oh I should also mention that my dad had something to do with the navy seabees. He was part of men who started the Tampa squadron.
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Old 07-02-2012, 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by jag312 View Post
1. S/N V86187 stamped US NAVY

2. S/N V319983 stamped US PROPERTY GHD

Both are also stamped S.P.D. on the left side. Both are .38 Special.
Jag:

Thanks for posting the data on your Victory Models. On V86187 are the Navy markings on the left top strap? Do both have the smooth walnut stocks? Any idea as to the origin of the SPD marking, which is presumably a post-war police department marking? Salinas, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Seattle ...Police Department?
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Old 07-02-2012, 12:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sandspur6 View Post
Hi Guys,
I just bought V329695 from the grandson of a WWII vet. .38 Special, 4 inch barrel, nice original grips and lanyard ring. Parkerized finish. "U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D." on topstrap. I suspect mid 1943. Am I close? Thanks.
Hello Sandspur:

Thanks for posting the data on your Victory. It will go into the Victory Model Database. Your guesstimate on the shipping date is right on. The Database indicates it likely shipped in the June-July, 1943 time frame. Chances are good that it was shipped to the US Navy, so you might want to consider getting a factory letter to confirm that.
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  #136  
Old 07-02-2012, 01:15 PM
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Howdy all . I have one V31941 .Was wondering About what year it was built. Any info would be nice . Cal .38 special Barrel 5 inch Pearl handle . Will try to get pics. Thanks

Last edited by usa157; 07-02-2012 at 06:09 PM.
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Old 07-02-2012, 01:18 PM
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Howdy all . I have one V31941 .Was wondering About what year it was built. Any info would be nice . Thanks
Hi USA:

Welcome to the Forum.

Can you give us a little bit more info to work with? Caliber, barrel length, type of finish, markings on the left top strap and butt, any other post-factory markings, type of stocks? That kind of additional info, in the absence of good photos, makes it much easier for us to diagnose what you have and when it was likely shipped.
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Old 07-02-2012, 04:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ordnanceguy View Post
Jag:

Thanks for posting the data on your Victory Models. On V86187 are the Navy markings on the left top strap? Do both have the smooth walnut stocks? Any idea as to the origin of the SPD marking, which is presumably a post-war police department marking? Salinas, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Seattle ...Police Department?
The Navy markings are on the left top strap. They both have smooth walnut stocks. We can eliminate Sunnyvale (SVDPS) and Saratoga (uses the Sheriff). Possible Salinas, Stockton, Seattle, or ?.

I know an elderly man who has been collecting WW2 militaria. He allowed me to look at his WW2 Smith & Wessons. These are the notes that I took:

V15360 - .38 Special crossed swords with MB5 proof mark, no other marks

V53067 - US NAVY .38 Special

V90292 - "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" .38 S&W barrel, 6" barrel, CAL. 38 SPECIAL stamped on left side of the frame, WB and flaming bomb on butt. NZ with the arrow on back of frame just above rear grip strap.

V117326 - .38 Special on barrel, no serial number on barrel, WB on butt, BNP proof marks and "ENGLAND" stamped on cylinder, cylinder rebored to .38 Special, cylinder serial numbered to frame.

V281089 - U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D. .38 Special

V325679 - .38 S&W on barrel, cylinder rebored to .38 Special, no other marks

V504669 - .38 Special, no other marks

V624597 - .38 S&W, 6" barrel, cylinder marked BNP and rebored to .38 Special,US PROPERTY G.H.D. on top strap

V763638 - .38 S&W converted to .38 Special by Cogswell & Harrison, London. No other markings

937145 - "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on top strap, .38 S&W, parkerized finish, butt marked with WB, Bottom of left grip "MADE IN AUSTRALIA", bottom of right grip. "LIBERTY ARMS CORP", "REBORED IN AUSTRALIA" , FTR\MA55, and AS with arrow all on right side of the frame
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Old 07-02-2012, 05:16 PM
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Thank you, Jag312, that is very helpful to our Victory Model Database efforts. All of this data will be incorporated into the Database on a confidential basis.
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Old 07-02-2012, 08:47 PM
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The Navy markings are on the left top strap. They both have smooth walnut stocks. We can eliminate Sunnyvale (SVDPS) and Saratoga (uses the Sheriff). Possible Salinas, Stockton, Seattle, or ?.
Sacramento, Syracuse, Schenectady...but what would be cooler than if it turned out to be Springfield, Massachusetts?
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Old 07-03-2012, 04:07 AM
Vincent55 Vincent55 is offline
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I'm guessing the second gun is crowding April of 1942, when Lend-Lease took effect. My questions regarding 946453, which finish? Which grips? "United States Property" marked? I have an extreme curiousity concening the Pre-V's.
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Old 07-03-2012, 09:08 AM
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The victory is a .38, 5inch barrel, Pearl grips,blued finish I will try to post pics soon
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Old 07-03-2012, 10:53 AM
Praetorianseven Praetorianseven is offline
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Newbie member, just bought a British victory model 38 S&W (and paid way too much). I could use some help with year of assembly. Serial # is V161160 with BNP (Birmingham, England) proof stamps on the frame and cylinder. There is also a G.H.D. acceptance proof on the butt with the serial number. Only problem is the barrel has been cut down to 2inch which kills it's collector value. Any help out there?
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Old 07-03-2012, 11:29 AM
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I'm guessing the second gun is crowding April of 1942, when Lend-Lease took effect. My questions regarding 946453, which finish? Which grips? "United States Property" marked? I have an extreme curiousity concening the Pre-V's.
946453 - it has a parkerized finish, plain wood grips, and 'UNITED STATES PROPERTY' is on the left side of the top strap and it is in quotations. I couldn't take the grips off to determine if they are numbered to the gun. I assume from the A(arrow)S and the other Australian marks that the revolver was issued to Australian military forces.
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Old 07-03-2012, 12:45 PM
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Newbie member, just bought a British victory model 38 S&W (and paid way too much). I could use some help with year of assembly. Serial # is V161160 with BNP (Birmingham, England) proof stamps on the frame and cylinder. There is also a G.H.D. acceptance proof on the butt with the serial number. Only problem is the barrel has been cut down to 2inch which kills it's collector value. Any help out there?
First off, welcome to the forum.

Your gun dates to 1942. Can you post some photos, as that would help in determining if it is a commercial or owner's modification. The important thing to check is whether your revolver chambers both .38 S&W and .38 Special.
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Old 07-03-2012, 01:13 PM
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First off, welcome to the forum.

Your gun dates to 1942. Can you post some photos, as that would help in determining if it is a commercial or owner's modification. The important thing to check is whether your revolver chambers both .38 S&W and .38 Special.
I will work on the photos. It ONLY chambers .38 S&W. The .38 Special round only goes into the cylinder about a third of its length.
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Old 07-03-2012, 01:38 PM
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First off, welcome to the forum.

Your gun dates to 1942. Can you post some photos, as that would help in determining if it is a commercial or owner's modification. The important thing to check is whether your revolver chambers both .38 S&W and .38 Special.
Ok, here are some pics but ****** quality from a cell phone.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg SWserialnumber.jpg (70.9 KB, 136 views)
File Type: jpg SWproofmark.jpg (66.6 KB, 120 views)
File Type: jpg SWprofile.jpg (69.9 KB, 148 views)
File Type: jpg SWbritproofmark.jpg (103.0 KB, 110 views)
File Type: jpg SWserialnumberunderbarrel.jpg (67.4 KB, 102 views)
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Old 07-03-2012, 02:05 PM
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Ok, here are some pics but ****** quality from a cell phone.
Those photos are better than most, cell phone or no.

My impression is owner or "gunsmith" conversion. Barrel shortened, entire gun then polished and blued, early magna stocks, all in all a fairly normal snubnose makeover for the 1950's era. You still need to check that chambering issue - but even if it will accept .38 Special only, I'd be shooting strictly the lightest loads with it as the ejector rod no longer makes any contribution to the cylinder assemby's locking into its closed position. How is the front sight attached, so far as you can tell?
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Old 07-03-2012, 03:25 PM
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I was surprised to find the "half moon" sight was expertly attached with no sloppy weld marks or scratches.
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File Type: jpg swfrontsite1.jpg (55.2 KB, 72 views)
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Old 07-03-2012, 03:42 PM
Praetorianseven Praetorianseven is offline
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Those photos are better than most, cell phone or no.

My impression is owner or "gunsmith" conversion. Barrel shortened, entire gun then polished and blued, early magna stocks, all in all a fairly normal snubnose makeover for the 1950's era. You still need to check that chambering issue - but even if it will accept .38 Special only, I'd be shooting strictly the lightest loads with it as the ejector rod no longer makes any contribution to the cylinder assemby's locking into its closed position. How is the front sight attached, so far as you can tell?
One other item I'm reading calls the shortened 2inch barreled S&W Victory model the "Oswald Special" since it was the revolver that Oswald used to kill Officer Tippett.
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