New to me Victory Model

Buzz Yooper · #1 02-27-2023, 07:51 PM

New to me Victory model ... Serial # V-5978xx

pretty sure these are not the original grips...

Bore and chambers are perfect as are timing and lockup... the U.S. Property stamp is a little weak as is the S&W Logo on the side plate and there is some minor pitting in a few places... I got it for what I think is a pretty good price. There was a letter from S&W from 2002 stating that the gun was sold in May of 1944... I don't believe that this gun was shot a lot at all, but appears to have been carried a good bit after the war by whoever put the magna grips on it.... Is the weak "US Property" stamp common at all???

Thanks in advance

DWalt · #2 02-27-2023, 08:00 PM

V604454 shipped on 8/9/44. That is the closest SN on my list to yours. Property stamps are usually fairly light. Did the letter indicate that it was shipped to a Navy location? Having a USP stamping, that would be likely and expected at that time.

Buzz Yooper · #3 02-27-2023, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWalt

V604454 shipped on 8/9/44. Property stamps are usually fairly light. Did the letter indicate that it was shipped to a Navy location? That would be expected at that time.

No, the letter was from Roy Jinks and merely stated that the gun was sold in may of 44, and invited the person who had made the inquiry to submit a request for a history letter if he wanted more detailed info... apparently the cost of a history letter in 2002 was $30.

Thanks again for any information...

Igiveup · #4 02-27-2023, 11:41 PM

The grips are probably replacements, as original were smooth walnut. The revolver looks really nice, I don't even see a wheel line. Nice.

Inland7-45 · #5 02-27-2023, 11:58 PM

This is a decent looking Victory model. I have 2 that I purchased in 1973 for $50 each. Unfortunately the lanyard swivels were removed and the stocks were replaced with newer S&W stocks. Yours had a nice set of diamond center magnas. I picked up 2 pair of original stocks for mine and added lanyard swivels. The original stocks are getting harder to find but there are still some showing up at gun shows and online.

Those older magnas on your gun would look nice on a newer M&P or Combat Masterpiece.

These are fine old revolvers and they are very easy to shoot even with original types stocks. I wish now that I had bought more when they were selling for $40 or $50.