Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

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


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1851  
Old 03-09-2018, 10:39 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobJunkins View Post
..
Not sure how to add pics yet.
"Go Advanced" below the "Quick Reply" window.
Scroll below the text window and "Manage Attachments".
Follow prompts to attach up to 5 photos from your device's photo library.

Last edited by Absalom; 03-02-2021 at 07:00 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1852  
Old 03-09-2018, 10:53 PM
RobJunkins RobJunkins is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Here are some pics. Just to get an idea of whether or not it’s a good one. (I already think so- just curious if it’s in decent collector state)
Attached Images
File Type: jpg A76FD350-DEBA-4513-B14F-27E587ECA2AD.jpg (70.6 KB, 74 views)
File Type: jpg 967B714E-F23B-475D-9D8B-99CFC6D693A5.jpg (76.1 KB, 69 views)
File Type: jpg B07F0449-B769-44E4-9EC4-BBA39BC1925B.jpg (27.1 KB, 69 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1853  
Old 03-10-2018, 12:58 AM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,479
Likes: 236
Liked 28,938 Times in 14,012 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobJunkins View Post
Here are some pics. Just to get an idea of whether or not it’s a good one. (I already think so- just curious if it’s in decent collector state)
Just the opposite. It shows heavy use and incorrect and non-original grips.
Reply With Quote
  #1854  
Old 03-10-2018, 01:27 AM
RobJunkins RobJunkins is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

What I meant by I already think so is I like it it, mainly because my dad gave it to me. I was just curious about info on it and little things like if it was in decent shape. I guess not though....
I guess I have to say I still like it.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1855  
Old 03-10-2018, 02:02 AM
Targets Guy's Avatar
Targets Guy Targets Guy is offline
US Veteran
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,688
Liked 18,968 Times in 5,588 Posts
Default

Your question was "decent collector shape".

To me what would be important was it came from my father so I don't really care what shape it is in. But if it was a good shooter even better. You can get correct Victory stocks fairly easily.

Clean it up, shoot often and clean often. Doesn't get much better than that.
__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065
Reply With Quote
  #1856  
Old 03-10-2018, 02:03 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

It‘s from spring 1943, and as DWalt says, its finish looks pretty tired. The lighting in your photos isn‘t ideal; gives it an odd color hue and leaves details hard to make out.

Looks like someone smeared some white paint into some of the markings. Get rid of that; it‘s not authentic, some acetone will take care of it. Is the sideplate logo as far gone as it looks or is that just the lighting?

As DWalt also pointed out, the grips are not original. The good news is that while they‘re not in great shape, they are post-war magnas that are worth more than original smooth Victory stocks would be in the same condition.
Reply With Quote
  #1857  
Old 04-29-2018, 11:15 PM
gorseks gorseks is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default Seeking Date of Manufacture on Victory .38 special

New to forum: Purchased this S&W Victory .38 Special and interested in manufacturing date, as well as any other information available on this revolver. Thank You, Steve

SN V 249544

Photos of SN on the handle included
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Victory SN 1.jpg (31.1 KB, 43 views)
File Type: jpg Victory SN 2.jpg (33.8 KB, 43 views)
File Type: jpg Vitory .38 Special.jpg (116.0 KB, 58 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1858  
Old 04-30-2018, 01:07 AM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,479
Likes: 236
Liked 28,938 Times in 14,012 Posts
Default

With a 4" barrel, it would be a .38 Special. You did not provide information as to whether it has a topstrap property stamping or not, so it is not possible to say whether it is military or civilian. The top sideplate screw looks strange and may not be original.

SN V 249544 probably shipped around May 1943, perhaps +/- one month.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #1860  
Old 05-01-2018, 12:55 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Mudpupoy:

That does look just like what we diagnosed: a very nice original British Service model.

It appears that at some point a poor storage choice led to the unfortunate discolorations on the top strap, maybe prolonged contact with a contaminated rag or something.

Otherwise, the finish is quite well-preserved, and the case-color on hammer and trigger is strong.

And despite the impression you may have gotten from Ed's mention of "many 1000s of these" imported, seeing one of these intact without any post-war British proofs is not common at all nowadays; most BSR's re-imported to the US were Birmingham-proofed.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1861  
Old 05-04-2018, 11:20 PM
Fishbed77 Fishbed77 is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Hey everyone. I'm new to this forum and a recently picked up a 4" barrel .38 Special Victory, and I'm hoping someone can tell me a little about it. It's in pretty good condition, other than a bit of light pitting under the grips and on the backstrap and some rust on the lanyard ring. The bore is excellent, and it came with a surplus tag indicating "Delta Shipbuilding Company" of New Orleans, though I have no idea what sort of provenance this provides. Serial # is V485855. There are no markings on the top strap. Any help is welcome! I'm including a few photos from the online auction where I purchased it (this revolver is still quite dirty in the photos, but some basic cleaning did wonders).














Last edited by Fishbed77; 05-05-2018 at 03:26 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #1862  
Old 05-05-2018, 12:52 AM
LOBO's Avatar
LOBO LOBO is offline
SWCA Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 1,112
Liked 1,865 Times in 440 Posts
Default

That gun with the provenance of the tag is so cool!! What year is written on the tag?
Reply With Quote
  #1863  
Old 05-05-2018, 01:20 AM
KEN L's Avatar
KEN L KEN L is offline
SWCA Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N GA
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 204
Liked 3,613 Times in 1,498 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fishbed77 View Post
Hey everyone. I'm new to this forum and a recently picked up a 4" barrel .38 Special Victory, and I'm hoping someone can tell me a little about it. It's in pretty good condition, other than a bit of light pitting under the grips and on the backstrap and some rust on the lanyard ring. The bore is excellent, and it came with a surplus tag indicating "Delta Shipbuilding Comany" of New Orleans, though I have no idea what sort of provenance this provides. Serial # is V485855. There are no markings on the top strap. Any help is welcome! I'm including a few photos from the online auction where I purchased it (this revolver is still quite dirty in the photos, but some basic cleaning did wonders).













Most likely shipped around Dec 1943.
This is my green with envy emoticon
Reply With Quote
  #1864  
Old 05-05-2018, 02:11 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fishbed77 View Post
Hey everyone. I'm new to this forum and a recently picked up a 4" barrel .38 Special Victory, and I'm hoping someone can tell me a little about it. .....The bore is excellent, and it came with a surplus tag indicating "Delta Shipbuilding Comany" of New Orleans, though I have no idea what sort of provenance this provides. Serial # is V485855. There are no markings on the top strap. Any help is welcome!.....
As Ken said, the gun likely shipped in late 1943. The tags tell you what we end up paying good extra money to get a history letter for: It was a gun shipped to the US Maritime Commission which used these mostly to equip the gun lockers of commercial freighters drafted for wartime transport duty and Liberty ships built for that purpose. How and when the Delta Shipbuilding Company acquired the gun, whether directly from the Commission for a ship they built, or from a ship they took over for decommissioning (since the tag says surplus), will be difficult to determine.

Neat find and great provenance! The gun looks all-original and in good shape, too.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #1865  
Old 05-05-2018, 02:17 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Major Esquire View Post
This is my S&W Victory Model V 849XX. I have the proper period grips for it. What kind of grips are on it now and the possible value? When was this WWII revolver manufactured?
With a five-digit serial, late summer 1942. The finish seems largely gone. Does it have a US NAVY topstrap stamp? The value of the grips on it depends on whether they're imitation or genuine stag of some sort. not my area of expertise
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1866  
Old 05-05-2018, 02:40 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Major Esquire View Post
No, it does not.
Then it's either a gun shipped to a civilian recipient, like a police department or the security department of a defense contractor, through the Defense Supplies Corporation, or (statistically less likely) a Maritime Commission gun like the one above.
Reply With Quote
  #1867  
Old 05-05-2018, 03:08 PM
Fishbed77 Fishbed77 is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LOBO View Post
That gun with the provenance of the tag is so cool!! What year is written on the tag?
It’s not a date at all, but the text “REV-2”. I’ve tried to take some better photos of the tag. I apologize for them being upside down - just took them quickly with my phone and uploaded to Imgur.






Thanks to everyone for your feedback!

Last edited by Fishbed77; 05-05-2018 at 03:24 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #1868  
Old 05-05-2018, 03:39 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,479
Likes: 236
Liked 28,938 Times in 14,012 Posts
Default

Your V485855 is a very interesting Victory. It is possible it is unused by its appearance. I think I would not try to remove the packing grease (Cosmolene?) remaining on it. Delta did build Liberty Ships during WWII, and indications are that at least some handguns were part of the Liberty Ships' standard equipment complement, probably for the Captain, maybe some mates. I have no idea how many guns were sent to sea on each of those ships. Some may also have been intended for shipyard security guards, and maybe that is what yours was used for. These were sent to the U. S. Maritime Commission (USMC) but that surplus property tag is extraordinary and would add a premium to its value. You should definitely get an historical letter documenting that it indeed was sent by S&W to the USMC. The serial number suggests a shipping date of around early 1944. I list several other Victories with SNs not too far removed from yours which were also USMC guns shipping in the late 43-early 44 period. USMC guns had no property stampings on the topstrap.

Last edited by DWalt; 05-05-2018 at 04:39 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1869  
Old 05-05-2018, 04:14 PM
wanno wanno is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
Default

have a smith & wesson Model 10 Victory Model Ser #V18780, with US Navy on top of frame. Can any one provide any information on it?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSC_0017.jpg (56.1 KB, 18 views)
File Type: jpg DSC_0019.jpg (30.9 KB, 24 views)
File Type: jpg DSC_0020.jpg (75.2 KB, 19 views)
File Type: jpg DSC_0021.jpg (70.0 KB, 21 views)
File Type: jpg DSC_0022.jpg (55.8 KB, 17 views)

Last edited by wanno; 05-07-2018 at 03:02 PM. Reason: adding pictures
Reply With Quote
  #1870  
Old 05-05-2018, 04:28 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wanno View Post
have a smith & wesson Model 10 Victory Model Ser #V18780, with US Navy on top of frame. Can any one provide any information on it?
It’s not a Model 10 (that didn’t start until 1957/58), but simply a .38 M&P Victory. Likely from June/July 1942. Shipped to the US Navy. For any further comments, regarding orginality, condition and such, post some pictures.
Reply With Quote
  #1871  
Old 05-05-2018, 11:11 PM
Fishbed77 Fishbed77 is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Quote:
I think I would not try to remove the packing grease (Cosmolene?) remaining on it.
There was no Cosmoline on the pistol. Due to the light pitting on this pistol's grip, I do believe it was handled a bit, but do not believe it was fired a lot.

.

Last edited by Fishbed77; 05-05-2018 at 11:17 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #1872  
Old 05-08-2018, 09:25 PM
DWesol DWesol is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 1 Post
Default

Hello,
I found another one. Serial # V234216. 38 SPL. 4" bbl. U.S. Navy marked on Top Strap. Looks all original w/ lanyard ring and smooth grips.
Photos to follow. Date of manufacture?

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]



Last edited by DWesol; 05-08-2018 at 09:45 PM. Reason: Add Photos
Reply With Quote
  #1873  
Old 05-09-2018, 12:40 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DWesol View Post
Hello,
I found another one. Serial # V234216. 38 SPL. 4" bbl. U.S. Navy marked on Top Strap. Looks all original w/ lanyard ring and smooth grips.
Photos to follow. Date of manufacture?
.......
Approx. Feb./March 1943. Looks indeed like all-original finish. Do the serials all match, incl. back of right grip panel?
Reply With Quote
  #1874  
Old 06-06-2018, 09:51 PM
case42so case42so is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Kent, WA
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Please enter V146357 to the data base. It is stamped U.S.Navy on the topstrap. All numbers match including the right grip.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1875  
Old 06-07-2018, 01:15 AM
ordnanceguy ordnanceguy is offline
SWCA Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Sunny Florida, USA
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 120
Liked 4,126 Times in 812 Posts
Default

Case42so:

Done. Your Navy has been added to the Database. Thank you for providing this information.
__________________
Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215
Reply With Quote
  #1876  
Old 06-09-2018, 09:10 PM
nudge nudge is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Queensland Australia
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
Liked 57 Times in 8 Posts
Default Victory model

Please add this one to the data base. S/N V163756 Cal 38 S&W CTG,Top Strap Marked "United States Property", Inspector GHD.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Victory.jpg (143.8 KB, 32 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1877  
Old 06-09-2018, 09:57 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by nudge View Post
Please add this one to the data base. S/N V163756 Cal 38 S&W CTG,Top Strap Marked "United States Property", Inspector GHD.
Nudge:
Since you’re in Australia, and the Victory is a lend-lease gun that seems unmolested and the finish appears original, I’m curious whether it has any non-factory markings on the other side not shown in your photo.

We mostly get Lithgow-FTR’d Australian guns here, and it sometimes appears like there are older markings underneath the array of 1950s FTR stampings. So I’d be curious whether a non- FTR’d lend-lease gun shows anything.
Reply With Quote
  #1878  
Old 06-09-2018, 10:39 PM
nudge nudge is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Queensland Australia
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
Liked 57 Times in 8 Posts
Default

Thanks for your reply.There are no FTR markings on the right side near the Made in USA stamp. I have owned one a few years ago with that stamp. All serial numbers match. I also have another two pre victory models S/N 784711 with no military marks and the other 800805 with military mark A arrow F ,by my book Australian forces or Air Force. Should I post pics here or in another area. cheers.

Last edited by nudge; 06-09-2018 at 10:52 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #1879  
Old 06-26-2018, 09:50 PM
Havoc1C4 Havoc1C4 is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default Victory revolver

I’d like to add my Victory revolver. My dad has had this revolver for a very long time. He got it from his uncle who said it came from a WWII aircrew member. Today was his 83rd birthday and he gave it to me. The serial number is V27456 (1942?). Is it worth getting a letter from S&W? I know it has the wrong grips on it. I’d love it if someone could point me toward some correct ones.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1880  
Old 06-26-2018, 11:38 PM
KEN L's Avatar
KEN L KEN L is offline
SWCA Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N GA
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 204
Liked 3,613 Times in 1,498 Posts
Default

It is one of the British Lend Lease guns that most likely shipped in Jun of 1942. The caliber is .38 S&W not .38 Special. Even though it is marked U.S. Property, it wasn't U.S. issued. Personally, I wouldn't waste my money for a letter as I already know approximately when it shipped and where it went. A letter really won't tell you any more than that. However, it is a great family heirloom, even if it does have the wrong stocks on it. I'd leave it just as it is!
Reply With Quote
  #1881  
Old 06-27-2018, 01:14 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Havoc1C4 View Post
I’d like to add my Victory revolver. My dad has had this revolver for a very long time. He got it from his uncle who said it came from a WWII aircrew member. Today was his 83rd birthday and he gave it to me. The serial number is V27456 (1942?). Is it worth getting a letter from S&W? I know it has the wrong grips on it. I’d love it if someone could point me toward some correct ones.
As Ken pointed out, it's not a US issue; any US aircrew (mostly Navy and Marine) that were issued a Victory got the .38 Special 4" version.

Also, that gun has post-war British commercial proofs showing it did not leave British service until likely the later 1950s; a focused close-up of the view mark (left side, above trigger guard) might allow pinning down the year it was sold in Britain.

Definitely keep those grips, but if you want to get some correct-style stocks also, check on e-bay or Gunbroker; you need smooth walnut; see attached picture.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg v grips.JPG (51.2 KB, 15 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #1882  
Old 06-27-2018, 06:58 PM
Havoc1C4 Havoc1C4 is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
As Ken pointed out, it's not a US issue; any US aircrew (mostly Navy and Marine) that were issued a Victory got the .38 Special 4" version.

Also, that gun has post-war British commercial proofs showing it did not leave British service until likely the later 1950s; a focused close-up of the view mark (left side, above trigger guard) might allow pinning down the year it was sold in Britain.

Definitely keep those grips, but if you want to get some correct-style stocks also, check on e-bay or Gunbroker; you need smooth walnut; see attached picture.

This mark?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 5E29E2C7-58C7-4740-B829-A388574AD1D6.jpg (63.3 KB, 42 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1883  
Old 06-27-2018, 08:05 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Havoc1C4 View Post
This mark?
Yep. Nice clear shot.

F is 1955. B is Birmingham Proof House. 2 denotes the inspector rank. The symbols are variously referred to as crossed sceptres or crossed swords, depending on the source.

Last edited by Absalom; 06-27-2018 at 08:06 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #1884  
Old 06-27-2018, 08:58 PM
chiefdave's Avatar
chiefdave chiefdave is offline
US Veteran
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Warsaw, Missouri
Posts: 951
Likes: 1,346
Liked 2,103 Times in 538 Posts
Default Addition to data base

You can add V3193 to the base. No military, proof, or inspectors stamps. Maybe DSC, letter already requested. Other than the sideplate screw everything seems to be correct.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_1271[1].jpg (121.8 KB, 29 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #1885  
Old 06-27-2018, 09:00 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 88,955
Liked 24,774 Times in 8,480 Posts
Default

Welcome to the Forum, Havoc1C4. Lots of good info to found here.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #1886  
Old 06-27-2018, 09:32 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chiefdave View Post
You can add V3193 to the base. No military, proof, or inspectors stamps. Maybe DSC .....
How about the butt? At that point a DSC or Maritime Comm gun should have the ordnance flaming bomb, although in that year 1942 one really can’t presume anything. This could even still letter as a Navy-shipped gun
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1887  
Old 06-27-2018, 10:00 PM
Havoc1C4 Havoc1C4 is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
Yep. Nice clear shot.

F is 1955. B is Birmingham Proof House. 2 denotes the inspector rank. The symbols are variously referred to as crossed sceptres or crossed swords, depending on the source.
Thank you! Does this mean it left service in 1955? Was this a Birmingham England police gun? I appreciate your help.
Reply With Quote
  #1888  
Old 06-27-2018, 10:01 PM
Havoc1C4 Havoc1C4 is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil View Post
Welcome to the Forum, Havoc1C4. Lots of good info to found here.
Thank you! Good folks here it seems. Btw, Roll Tide! I live just south of Birmingham Alabama in Helena.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1889  
Old 06-28-2018, 01:09 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Havoc1C4 View Post
Thank you! Does this mean it left service in 1955? Was this a Birmingham England police gun? I appreciate your help.
It was sent to Britain during WW II and was used as a supplementary handgun by British troops.

After the war, they were kept in storage for a while, and then in the 1950s the government started selling them to surplus dealers over several years’ time.

British laws required those dealers to have the guns commercially proofed before selling them on, either locally (rare due to restrictive laws) or via export, mostly back to the US.

There were/are two commercial proof houses in Britain, London and Birmingham. Most of these revolvers were sent to the latter for proofing.
Reply With Quote
  #1890  
Old 06-28-2018, 08:15 AM
Wiregrassguy's Avatar
Wiregrassguy Wiregrassguy is offline
SWCA Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 34,555
Liked 10,739 Times in 3,659 Posts
Default

Quote:
I live just south of Birmingham Alabama in Helena.

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!
__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
Reply With Quote
  #1891  
Old 06-28-2018, 08:53 AM
chiefdave's Avatar
chiefdave chiefdave is offline
US Veteran
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Warsaw, Missouri
Posts: 951
Likes: 1,346
Liked 2,103 Times in 538 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
How about the butt? At that point a DSC or Maritime Comm gun should have the ordnance flaming bomb, although in that year 1942 one really can’t presume anything. This could even still letter as a Navy-shipped gun
Nothing on the butt either, I have a pre-Victory that is also unmarked. Guess that is why I collect them, it seems like the variations are endless.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_1272[1].jpg (70.2 KB, 21 views)
Reply With Quote
  #1892  
Old 06-28-2018, 11:31 AM
KEN L's Avatar
KEN L KEN L is offline
SWCA Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N GA
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 204
Liked 3,613 Times in 1,498 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chiefdave View Post
You can add V3193 to the base. No military, proof, or inspectors stamps. Maybe DSC, letter already requested. Other than the sideplate screw everything seems to be correct.
Is “USG 6418” marked anywhere on this gun. I already have that serial number in my database with that marking on it.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1893  
Old 06-28-2018, 11:40 AM
chiefdave's Avatar
chiefdave chiefdave is offline
US Veteran
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Warsaw, Missouri
Posts: 951
Likes: 1,346
Liked 2,103 Times in 538 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KEN L View Post
Is “USG 6418” marked anywhere on this gun. I already have that serial number in my database with that marking on it.
That's the one, hoping that it will letter as a DSC shipped to United States Gulf (later Gulf Oil). Does the data base show any like marked revolvers?
Reply With Quote
  #1894  
Old 06-28-2018, 01:22 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 88,955
Liked 24,774 Times in 8,480 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Havoc1C4 View Post
Thank you! Good folks here it seems. Btw, Roll Tide! I live just south of Birmingham Alabama in Helena.
I know it well. I worked in Bessemer for over 23 years.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #1895  
Old 06-28-2018, 03:04 PM
KEN L's Avatar
KEN L KEN L is offline
SWCA Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N GA
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 204
Liked 3,613 Times in 1,498 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chiefdave View Post
That's the one, hoping that it will letter as a DSC shipped to United States Gulf (later Gulf Oil). Does the data base show any like marked revolvers?
Nothing else in my database, but I'm sure there are others or there with bigger ones than mine. Maybe Digishots or DWalt have more info. Can't wait till see the results of your letter. The DSC guns are always more interesting to me.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1896  
Old 06-29-2018, 03:37 PM
ordnanceguy ordnanceguy is offline
SWCA Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Sunny Florida, USA
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 120
Liked 4,126 Times in 812 Posts
Default

Chief Dave:

You asked whether the Victory Model Database contains any other guns marked similarly to your V3193 with USG 6418. (I presume that the latter marking is electro-penciled on the left frame below the cylinder latch, correct?)

I can report that the VM Database does indeed contain another similarly marked example. That is V2973 with the electro-penciled marking of USG 6566. When recorded in the Database we did not have any factory letter shipping info on it. Nonetheless, given that your serial is only 220 numbers away from the other one, I think it is a safe bet that your revolver and V3193 initially served the same employer.

I will be very interested in how your SWHF letter turns out. Please post that info back here when you receive it.
__________________
__________________
Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #1897  
Old 06-29-2018, 04:23 PM
chiefdave's Avatar
chiefdave chiefdave is offline
US Veteran
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Warsaw, Missouri
Posts: 951
Likes: 1,346
Liked 2,103 Times in 538 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ordnanceguy View Post
Chief Dave:

You asked whether the Victory Model Database contains any other guns marked similarly to your V3193 with USG 6418. (I presume that the latter marking is electro-penciled on the left frame below the cylinder latch, correct?)

I can report that the VM Database does indeed contain another similarly marked example. That is V2973 with the electro-penciled marking of USG 6566. When recorded in the Database we did not have any factory letter shipping info on it. Nonetheless, given that your serial is only 220 numbers away from the other one, I think it is a safe bet that your revolver and V3193 initially served the same employer.

I will be very interested in how your SWHF letter turns out. Please post that info back here when you receive it.
__________________
You are correct about the mode and location of the USG 6418. The letter request is already on the way and will share as soon as it arrives.

Do you also track pre-Victory's?
Reply With Quote
  #1898  
Old 06-29-2018, 05:38 PM
ordnanceguy ordnanceguy is offline
SWCA Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Sunny Florida, USA
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 120
Liked 4,126 Times in 812 Posts
Default

Chief:

Yes, our Victory Model Database covers the pre-Victory guns from about 700,000 to 999,999. We have thousands of pre-Victory and Victory serials recorded. If you have any that you would like included in the Database on a confidential basis just post it here or send me a PM.
__________________
Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #1899  
Old 07-04-2018, 09:47 AM
larymark larymark is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

New to forum, issued a 38 spl revolver in 1966 at Malstrom AFB MT.
I'm assuming it was a victory model but don't know for sure and didn't really care back then as long as it fired.

Just acquired a victory and after reading 100's of post I have a question maybe some one could answer.

The distribution of the victory models with serial numbers very close to each other going to different places, army, navy, allies, and used for security at many different facilities here in US.
Example:

Serial # 5004441 going to Army marked property of US
5004330 going to Navy marked Navy
5005998 going to factory in US for security purposes

Was distribution random with no real sequence followed?


Thanks, Great forum
Reply With Quote
  #1900  
Old 07-04-2018, 09:56 AM
larymark larymark is offline
Member
Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base Victory data base  
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Typo! Made up Example serial numbers should be 6 numbers.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
380, cartridge, certificate, commercial, gunsmith, k frame, leather, military, model 10, parkerized, postwar, scope, sideplate, sig arms, smith and wesson, smith-wessonforum.com, springfield, stag, swca, trademark, united states property, victory, walnut, wondersight, wwii

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Three more for the Victory Data Base Silver King S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 8 05-07-2012 09:06 PM
Three more for the Victory Data Base Silver King S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 3 05-06-2012 04:40 PM
Another Victory for the Data base cquickel S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 1 05-12-2010 06:38 PM
Victory for the data base Barn Boy S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 4 04-10-2010 03:03 PM
New Victory For Data Base delta-419 S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 4 06-10-2008 08:43 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:14 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)