I just ran across a V serial number pre 10 in nickel. Only got a quick look. It is nickel finish. 2 or 3 inch barrel. At a quick look, it looks original but I've never seen a V model in nickel. If nickel was offered, would there be a N stamp? Thanks

Posted this earlier in wrong place. I just ran into a V Serial No pre 10 in nickel. Only got a quick look. 2 or 3 inch barrel. Were victory models made with nickel? I've never seen one. If so, would it have the N stamp? Going to see it closer today but wanted to get my facts before considering. Asking $595.

Cannot swear to the victory model but I have seem many 1905, 4th change in factory nickel that have been completely void of finish markings where you would normally expect to find the finish markings.

For some reason, some of these have a small N on the right side of the grip frame near the line up pin for the grips but not consistent with Nickel finish only. I've concluded the N on the right side of the grip frame, near the grip line up pin (along with 2 or 3 more alpha-numeric digits that are around that line-up pin have nothing to do with finish designation.

I could only surmise the combination of 3 or 4 letters and or numbers around the grip line up pin might more likely indicate production line or fitment markings ( I presume).

I'm going on a leap of faith here but during the war it wasn't likely there were many nickel Victories if any (unless special order which would likely have been for someone or some service with clout).

The purpose of the Victory was for the War production. Shiny / reflective finished guns would not have passed US Govt nor UK armed forces (lend lease guns) approval ... I would think.

I'm sure someone with more intense experience with the Victories will check in to revise and tune in much better than I have.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

I've seen lots of nickle Victory Models.
I think they started making them right after WW2 and, as far as I know, they're still making them.......

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

No Victory Models in nickel. With a 2 or 3 inch barrel it is most likely a cut down British Service Revolver.

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

To my knowledge no Victory models were ever produced in Nickle. The Victory was a "Low cost" War contract, and nickle wasn't low cost. You also mentioned it had a 2" or 3" barrel, so I am going to guess it is a BSR (British Service Revolver) version which has been cut down and refinished. We would need clear photo's to tell for sure.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

What Kevin said. Look for the front locking lug for the ejector rod; BSR "snubbies" lack that. And the price would be about triple its value.

PS: There is a small chance it might be an original refinished 2" Victory, in which case it would be worth more even in its non-original finish to some collectors; the underbarrel lug test can settle that definitely.

What is the serial number? V1?

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Here is a chrome BSR. It started life as a Blue BSR.

adult photo hosting

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I'm not a Victory expert either, but I think deadin is pulling your leg. OP, you may know that there were at least two versions of the WWII Victory: the one exported to Great Britain and colonies, usually 5" barrel and chambered in .38 S&W; the one made for use by US troops and civilian contractors chambered in .38 S&W Special usually a 4" barrel.

After the war, many of the British .38s were reimported to the US, often rebored to .38 Special. Sometimes the barrels were shortened and the finish changed to nickel. I suspect you may have seen one of these altered firearms.

As far as I know, those revolvers are not considered "pre 10s," nor would they be marked with an "N" for nickel finish.

Others with more knowledge may correct my mistakes. A picture and partial serial number will be useful to the experts.

There's about a 99+% chance that it was a WWII British service revolver which had its barrel chopped and given a nickel plated finish. Also likely the chambers were re-bored to .38 Special. If you are thinking about buying it, don't - unless it is at a giveaway price.