That's correct.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

The easiest way to tell, if you have the gun in your hands, is to look straight down behind the hammer and cock it VERY slowly. You can then see the sliding hammer block (if you have one) move down and out of the way of the hammer. On the plus side, you have a 4" barrel, the gun looks like it has not been abused, and it is chambered for .38 SPL, not .38 S&W like mine, LOL. You can shoot conventional modern ammo. In practice, the hammer block only matters if you are planning to be dropping it on concrete... or a steel ship's deck.

True, but it does have the old hammer block. It is not foolproof but if you don't let it get bound up with rust, dirt, or grease, it will take care of you.
I have read that the one that fired when dropped on the ship's deck had the "flag" hammer block gummed up with Cosmoline. I am sure the students here can confirm or deny.

I heard someone bought a NOS carburator or something like that for a Willy's Jeep.
He sent an irate email (with pics) to the seller when it did not work.
He received a one line reply... "Remove ALL Cosmoline before use".

Thought I would include my Victory. Dont know much about it...so any info is always appreciated.
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Just got this today at a local show. Very nice Victory, S/N SV7750xx. I'm guessing 1945 manufacture. Very minimal holster wear and super tight.

Quick desktop picture:

Hello Squirrel:

Your Victory serialed V379953 likely shipped in the August, 1943 time frame. If it was lettered it would probably prove to be a Navy shipment. Your stocks are replacements for the original smooth walnut stocks and you'll want to chase down a lanyard ring.

HTH.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

This one is in great shape. Got it for a song. Grips do not match, but everything else does. Dunno much about it, but it has the flaming bomb on the bottom of the frame. Somewhere in a drawer I have a lanyard loop.
V538135

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Hello Squidsix:

That is a nice looking Victory. Thanks for posting it.

From the Victory Model Database I would estimate that your V538135 likely shipped from the factory in the February 1944 time frame. The ship dates jump around quite a bit in that range, and we all know that S&W did not ship in strict consecutive serial number order. So, that is just my best estimate for you. It also appears probable that your revolver shipped to a DSC authorized destination.

I hope that info is of interest to you.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Remind me what DSC stands for?

DSC=Defense Supplies Corporation. It was the entity that authorized distribution of small arms to civilian users such as law enforcement agencies, defense plants, public utilities, etc.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

HELLO TO ALL! I'm Hoping I can get some help on the victory model. I have had a couple of victory models before but this one has some differences that I have never seen before so of course I had to get it. From what I can tell it's a smith pre model 10 victory model w/4" barrel and a "SV" serial number prefix. But what get me is the stamp of N.S.D. 61 on the left side of the frame just below the cylinder release. See pictures. Any information on this victory model would be definitely appreciated. I have already ordered some victory model smooth grips and a replacement lanyard loop to bring it back to it's former glory. Thank to everyone for any knowledge you can drop on me! 😁

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Also for forgot to mention that is does have the us government property on the top strap above the cylinder. Picture of that is also below as well as under the barrel.

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Drewshooter:

Your earlier thread on this revolver can be found here for those who might have missed it. Another model 10 help with strange numbers

Your Victory is a very late production version. It likely shipped from the factory in July or August, 1945, shortly before the War ended. It's probable shipping destination was one of two Naval Supply Depots. To determine exactly which one you would need to get a letter from the S&W Historical Foundation.

As stated in the earlier thread the exact meaning of the N.S.D.-61 marking is unknown.

I hope that information is what you were looking for.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Thank you so much for the information. That does help a lot! I started a new post because I actually had more pictures that I did before thinking that might help a little more 👍 😁

My newly acquired victory to add to the database if not there already. Got it lettered recently serial No. V2798 shipped June 1 1942 to US maritime commission. 4", black magic finish butt swivel, plain walnut stock Does not have markings onto strap or flaming bomb anywhere.

gmarshall99:

Thanks for posting the data on your Maritime Commission Victory V2798. Every bit of data helps. As it happens your revolver was already in the Database but we did not have the ship date or destination.

Did your letter give a precise destination for the shipment? The Maritime Commission guns went to locations all over the USA, so it would be nice to add that bit of info to this entry.

Thanks again.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

I have added 2 more Victory revolvers to my collection they are both
stamped US PROPERTY GHD. 4" barrels and both are .38 special.
V434573 and V720558

Would someone mind giving me an estimated shipping date?

Thanks,

terry

I should have mentioned both Victory revolvers are equipped with the standard smooth grip however none of my five have grips that are numbered to the gun.
I'll try to get pictures of these 2 new ones shortly

Hello Terry:

Your V434573 likely shipped from the factory in October-November, 1943 time frame. Your V720558 probably shipped around November, 1944.

This info comes from the S&WCA's Victory Model Database. I hope it is helpful to you.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Charlie,

Thank you so much for your time.

terry

I have a Victory on the way...# V120XX.
Is it already on the database? If not, I'll add details when it arrives.
Can someone provide a ballpark shipping date?
Thanks.

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Not US vet, no IDF option!

Hi Jonny:

Without a complete serial number one cannot tell if your incoming Victory is in the Database or not. When you get all of the pertinent particulars please let us know and we can then check the DB for you for a ship date estimate.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Makes sense!
The last 2 numbers are 43.
Old habits die hard.

__________________
Not US vet, no IDF option!

Johnny:

The serial you provided is consistent with a 4 inch .38 Special Victory that likely shipped in the June-August, 1942 time frame. That serial is not in the Database yet.

When you receive your Victory please post back here with the further details including any post-factory markings or mods and whether there is an Ordnance bomb mark on the butt.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Just acquired a Victory model serial V417250. Any info would be appreciated. Also, the story I got with it was, it was bought as surplus after war to a police dept where it sat in the Armory for many years until they recently cleaned it out a few months back. It was blued I assume and standard grips put on. It is in unbelievable condition as far as function.

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It appears to have had the barrel replaced at some point in time.

How can you tell the barrel was replaced?

I posted a picture of mine back in July, but didn't realize that a full S/N was required.

I recently acquired S/N SV775003, so I'd appreciate whatever information is available.

Thanks.

The front sight appears to be the tapered type sight that came out around 1950. I wonder if the barrel has a serial number on it.

Thats interesting because all numbers match. The serial number under the barrel is matching to the one on the butt and cylinder. So that tells me maybe someone filed the front sight blade down maybe? Thats the only thing I could think of.

My grandfather did that to his, now mine, 38 Special pre model 10 made in 1909. He filed it down so slightly to better fit his eyes.

To get a complete history of the gun if its available, does S&W still do letters? I did one years ago for a pre model 10 i have and it was $50 for the letter.

Jarbo:

S&W does not issue the letters any longer. That function is now ably performed by the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. Follow this link for info on how to secure a "factory letter" from the S&WHF:
Letter Process - Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Jarbo:

Your Victory was likely shipped from the factory in the September, 1943 time frame.

As you noted, it has been refinished to blue from its original Black Magic finish. The lanyard ring has gone missing. The original smooth walnut stocks have been replaced with post-1968 Magna stocks.

If you decide to get a factory letter I hope that you will post back here with the pertinent information once it has been received as that helps us to refine the Database.

I hope that information helps you.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Hello Glynn:

Your nice Victory likely shipped from the factory in the January, 1945 time frame.

Does it have ð U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D marked on the left top strap? Disclosure of the complete serial number and the pertinent markings helps me to more accurately help you.

Hope that does help you.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Thank you! Yes I will send away for the info and post it once received. Thanks again.

Yes, it has the US PROPERTY GHD on the top left strap. There is also a "P" on the left side up near the hammer, an "S" on the side plate on the right side. Patents dates on top of the barrel, "Smith & Wesson" on the left side of the barrel, "38 S&W Special Ctg" on the right side of the barrel, S/N on underside of the barrel and back of the cylinder, as well as the butt. Crane and frame numbers match. "Made in USA" also on the frame, as well as S&W crest. I haven't removed the stocks, but they match the frame contour perfectly, so I assume they're original. Thanks.

Thanks, will do.

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Not US vet, no IDF option!

OK, it has arrived!
An all matching 4 inch, with non-matching smooth grips. The serial (V12043) appears on the butt, back of the cylinder, and barrel bottom. The assembly numbers on the frame and crane match each other. The finish is thin but appears original.
Left side of the barrel has SMITH & WESSON, the barrel top has the standard patent info, and the right side says 38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG. The S&W trademark and MADE IN U.S.A. appear on the right side.
That's it, no other markings or proofs.

Any info appreciated.

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Not US vet, no IDF option!

Pictures of the new acquisition?

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I have a tech glitch on the new laptop...no pics yet.

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Not US vet, no IDF option!

Hi guys. Pre-Victory SN 991100, UNITED STATES PROPERTY on frame top. WB inspection, ordnance bomb on butt. Matching butt, ejector, cylinder, barrel SNs. Crane and frame match. 38-.200 (.38 special will not chamber, not bored out). Original, 5” barrel. Aussie DD arrow, FTR/MA55 on right front frame (Lithgow 1955 refurb, parkerized). Mismatched but numbered USGI grips. Vega SAC CA (Vega, Sacramento CA importer) left frame above trigger. Late 80s import? Any info appreciated.

Hello Arisaka:

Thanks for the complete description. That really helps.

Your revolver likely shipped from the factory in the May, 1942 time frame. It was a Lend Lease gun.

Hope that helps you.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Thanks Charlie!

Any more info on my Victory...above, post #2638?

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Not US vet, no IDF option!

Hello Jonnyc:

In this serial range with the absence of any property, proof, inspection or acceptance markings the chances are good that your revolver V12043 was either (a) a gun shipped under DSC authorization to a civilian destination or (b) a U.S. Maritime Commission gun. That's about all that can be said short of what might be revealed by a letter from the S&WHF.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Thanks for a. and b.
So the June-August 1942 time-frame is still valid?
And I'm not clear on what the "U.S. Maritime Commission" was. Would that be for pistols delivered to the Merchant Marine?

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Not US vet, no IDF option!

Yes and yes.

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Thanks!
Off to the range with it tomorrow!

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Not US vet, no IDF option!

Very disappointing. I didn't discover that the cylinder/extractor screw had come loose and the pistol kept jamming. Next visit should be MUCH better.
Thanks for all the help.

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Not US vet, no IDF option!

New one at auction tonight. DSC contract with ordnance bomb on butt and a P on left rear frame. No US Property on top strap. V461702 in 99% condition.