New to forum need help

[crsea]

Hi,I have inherited a revolver serial #V127365,caliber38
special. can anyone give me any info?

Thanks,curt

[g8rb8]

Welcome to the S&W Forum. The V prefix of the serial number stands for "Victory" in World War II against the Axis powers.

There are members who can provide a wealth of information about your revolver.

What's the barrel length?
Is it marked Property Of US Navy?
There are a number of stampings/marks to look for and other members will chime in with more information.

[Waveski]

Pictures would be very helpful.

[crsea]

Hi, any info is greatly appreciated.

[OldChief]

According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, serial numbers V1 - V811119 were produced between 1942 & 45. I would make a guess that yours was probably put out sometime in 43. I'll try to find more info if it's available. I failed to mention that the basic model is the Military & Police Model.
Now, if you can get your hands on a copy of the Standard Catalog, page 142 will provide you with a wealth of information. You can order one from Smith & Wesson for I believe $35.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by OldChief

How about a serial number, then I can look it up and maybe give you the manufacture year.

Ummmm . . . first post:

serial #V127365

[crsea]

Serial #V127365

[crsea]

Thanks Old chief

[DWalt]

This is a repeat of an earlier posting which has already been answered.

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! You can learn new things here daily! Bob

[Waveski]

Originally Posted by DWalt

This is a repeat of an earlier posting which has already been answered.

I will take your word on that , but the photos were enjoyable. Nice example of an item not yet checked off of my bucket list.

[DWalt]

Pictures are of a typical U. S. Victory model. We just do not know if it had the UNITED STATES PROPERTY or U.S. NAVY topstrap stamping or not, which would distinguish it as being military or civilian.

[crsea]

This gun has no markings on top strap, does this make it a civilian
model

[DWalt]

Yes. It's probably a so-called DSC revolver. DSC stands for Defense Supplies Corporation, a government agency which had a contract with S&W (and other gun makers) to supply revolvers for priority civilian users, such as defense plant guards and law enforcement agencies operating within the USA. Those were exactly like Victory .38 Special military revolvers, except there were no topstrap property stampings. There were also small numbers of unmarked revolvers sent to the Merchant Marine and the OSS during WWII. Occasionally the DSC revolvers were given markings by the users, such as Boeing, Westinghouse, etc., but they did not come from the factory that way. DSC guns are often found to be in better cosmetic condition than those which were in military service. Many U. S. military revolvers (at least those which were not "liberated") remained in active service through the Vietnam era, and got fairly well banged up in the process.

During WWII, it was very difficult for ordinary civilians to buy new guns of any kind (aside from a few cheap utilitarian-type guns such as some .22 rifles and shotguns), as most gun production was going toward defense-related purposes. Somewhat similar to the situation for buying new automobiles. Plymouth continued limited manufacture of new cars which were available to certain qualifying civilian purchasers, but for the most part, the automobile manufacturers were too busy making planes, tanks, guns, and trucks for the military to turn out civilian vehicles. For those having a car prior to Pearl Harbor, their only option was to keep the old buggy running for the duration.

[crsea]

Thank you for the info I am learning more everyday.I find this history so interesting!

[Absalom]

Originally Posted by crsea

This gun has no markings on top strap, does this make it a civilian
model

DWalt has told you everything important about it, but avoid the term "civilian model". There is no such thing. There was only one type of .38 Special Victory model produced; depending on whose order the factory happened to have on top of the stack, they were shipped to the military (the majority to the Navy) or to a civilian recipient, and ended up marked accordingly. This may seem like nitpicking, but talking about models implies differences, and there were none.

[crsea]

If I get this gun lettered will it tell me were it was shipped?

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by crsea

If I get this gun lettered will it tell me were it was shipped?

It will, and it may be interesting. DSC guns were often sent directly to the end users, e.g., some police department or defense contractor. It might also have been shipped to the U. S. Maritime Commission (Merchant Marine) or maybe even the OSS if you are lucky. But it will cost you $75 when the letters start up again in June, so you have to be willing to gamble.

[crsea]

I have spent 75$ on things a lot less interesting.I think I should go for it.what is the OSS?and I have no idea of the value of some thing like this can you give me a ballpark number?

[DWalt]

OSS is the WWII spy agency, the Office of Strategic Services, later to become the CIA. The OSS guns were usually sent to a Navy address in Rosslyn VA. A verified OSS Victory will bring some serious bucks.

[crsea]

I think I need a letter! I am so curious.

[DWalt]

Don't get your hopes too high. There were very few OSS guns, and not many Merchant Marine guns either. And those are the ones which will command a price premium.

[crsea]

I guess the value is not as important as the history as I would probably never sell it anyway.