Hey guys I went to my local gun shop and lucked into a Victory model with British marks.

I think it was part of the lend lease program


Serial number starts with a V and is in the 700,000 range. Currently searching for original grips for it

Gary

Well, if it has a V prefix and not an SV, it was made in late 1944. The SV prefix began in very early 1945. The proof marking was done after the war, when the Britih government released these for sale on the civilian market. Yours was proofed at Birmingham. Have you checked to make sure the chambers have not been bored to accept the .38 Special cartridge? Check eBay for correct grips, and modern reproductions are also available. You also need a replacement lanyard swivel.

Forgot to mention the top strap says "US Property G.H.D."

Gary

Thanks friend

I forgot I also need to replace the Swivel. I wasn't able to check the chambers to see if its been made into a 38 special but the guy at the shop said it was 38 S&W.

Gary

It would. All WWII Lend-Lease revolvers had that stamping to indicate that they were technically U. S. property on loan to the British. G.H.D. stands for Guy H. Drewry, an Army Ordnance officer at Springfield. It's an acceptance stamp. I erroneously said yours was made in late 1945, but I meant late 1944. The SV prefix indicated the incorporation of a new design for a hammer safety.

GaryED50, Pls. see PM. Ed.

I get to start the 10 day waiting period tomorrow and by the 11th Its mine. I'll confirm the chambers are still 38S&W not 38S&W Special while I'm at it tomorrow

Gary

Good idea to so so - it makes a great difference in value. Easiest way to be sure is to see if a .38 Special round can be completely chambered. If it can, the chambers have been bored, and I'd cancel the deal unless it's at a REALLY good price.

Started the waiting period and confirmed its still chambered for the 38 S&W round. Now I just have to wait till the 11th

Gary

Nice find--hope the price was fair. Correct grips should be plain wood--NOT Magna style. You might try a WTB ad on the forum for them & the lanyard loop assembly; also Numrich & SARCO may have such parts also. Good luck!

Also, check on eBay for grips and lanyard loops. They show up there frequently. There are numerous parts sources, and there are even newly-manufactured smooth wood grip replicas made, for about $50.00. You are, I hope, aware that .38 S&W ammunition is not the easiest to find?

Previously I had an Iver-johnson top break and I found a place online to get 38S&W. now though The local LGS I found the revolver at has it in stock so I got a couple of boxes. 146 grain LRN

Gary

Finally the original style grips and the sling swivel arrived


Very awesome Its as original as it can get

Gary