Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-15-2017, 10:56 PM
policerevolvercollector policerevolvercollector is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Georgia
Posts: 2,685
Likes: 2,473
Liked 5,898 Times in 1,224 Posts
Default *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?

In the '60s ( I think),a company nickled and added fake stags to a thousands of BSRs. Which company was this?

I was in a pawn shop yesterday that had 4 of these guns. Two were 5" and two were 2". I have seen a lot of them cut to 4" over the years too.

They are hard to miss they have those hideous faux stags and shine like chrome on a trailer hitch.....!

Best,
Charles

Last edited by policerevolvercollector; 06-10-2017 at 11:56 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 04-15-2017, 11:12 PM
moosedog moosedog is online now
SWCA Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Michigan
Posts: 7,852
Likes: 11,782
Liked 13,763 Times in 3,347 Posts
Default

I have seen many of the Victory Models that went to England redone by Cogswell and Harrison who rechambered the 38 S&W guns into 38 Special and made others into 22 caliber with sleeving. Front sights were ramped and the guns were stamped with their name on the frames.
I don't remember nickeled ones though.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 04-16-2017, 12:00 AM
policerevolvercollector policerevolvercollector is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Georgia
Posts: 2,685
Likes: 2,473
Liked 5,898 Times in 1,224 Posts
Default

I've seen the Cogswell & Harrison guns also.

The ones I'm referring to are still in .38/200 (aka .38 S&W). The lanyard ring holes were fillied in & the crude refinish was done as well as altering the bbl. length. The faux stags are all plastic and appear identical.

Best,
Charles
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 04-16-2017, 12:51 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

I'd like to know whether that was one company that did all of these, too.

The Cogswell & Harrison conversions are a completely different animal, only shortened so that the underbarrel lug remained, and always proofed in London for the .38 Special after the conversion.

The ones Charles is referring to were almost certainly done here in the US. Where British proofmarks are visible, they indicate Birmingham proofing for the original .38 caliber. Sometimes the grips are marked Franzite, but more often not.

It's interesting that Charles says all those at his pawnshop are still in .38 S&W. That I have never encountered before on a gun that had gotten the barrel-cut, nickel-plated, fake-stag treatment. Cylinder reaming usually came first.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 04-16-2017, 08:14 AM
2152hq 2152hq is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,727
Likes: 1,633
Liked 9,099 Times in 3,366 Posts
Default

ParkerHale perhaps (?).
I've seen a few of the OP described Victorys w/ a Parker Hale marked rib & front ramp soldered onto the bbl.
Could be another company just used the PH marked sight in their 'upgrade-conversion' too. I don't recall any other outside contractor markings on them.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 04-16-2017, 08:41 AM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,483
Likes: 236
Liked 28,949 Times in 14,015 Posts
Default

There wasn't just one US company which "refurbished" the British Victories. An unknown number of US surplus arms dealers imported them in the 1950s-60s, then had them modified by whoever they could find to do the work the cheapest. The details on just how the business of butchering the old British Victories was done and by whom are murky. There was a posting here several years ago by someone who claimed to have worked at a machine shop that was converting the British Victories for an importer, but he did not provide much detail. I requested that he would be doing us a service if he could write up more information about his experience, but he never did. At least not that I saw.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 04-16-2017, 10:23 AM
Tired Gunsmith Tired Gunsmith is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Hillsboro Beach, FL
Posts: 418
Likes: 20
Liked 237 Times in 114 Posts
Default

Hundreds of these were converted for "Dave's House of Guns" in Dallas Texas.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 04-16-2017, 10:54 AM
Targets Guy's Avatar
Targets Guy Targets Guy is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,688
Liked 18,968 Times in 5,588 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by moosedog View Post
I have seen many of the Victory Models that went to England redone by Cogswell and Harrison who rechambered the 38 S&W guns into 38 Special and made others into 22 caliber with sleeving. Front sights were ramped and the guns were stamped with their name on the frames.
I don't remember nickeled ones though.
I just won one of those.

image uploadcertificity.com

It now has a 3.5" barrel. Good shooter which makes me very happy.

upload piccertificity.com
__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 04-16-2017, 11:10 AM
ordnanceguy ordnanceguy is offline
SWCA Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Sunny Florida, USA
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 120
Liked 4,127 Times in 812 Posts
Default

Here you go, straight from the Victory Model archives.



I fixed that horrible old Photobucket watermark. (I dumped PB a long time ago but many of my old posts still have images I posted that were hosted there.)
__________________
Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Last edited by ordnanceguy; 05-17-2020 at 10:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 04-16-2017, 12:27 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

From most that I have seen the Cogswell & Harrison conversions seemed t obe one of the better ones.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 04-16-2017, 12:46 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by H Richard View Post
From most that I have seen the Cogswell & Harrison conversions seemed t obe one of the better ones.
Indeed. Just like Parker-Hale. They generally were re-blued, got a set of very nice proprietary wooden stocks, and most had the barrel shortened to 3.5 inches as seen in the catalog posted by Charlie with a new ramp front sight. And as I mentioned, most were converted, and if so, before proofing, so they were tested for .38 Special. And they put their name on the guns.

On the surplus ones that were imported unmodified by the barrel-load, supposedly sometimes so cheap they were priced by scrap weight rather than per gun, it is likely that as DWalt says, whoever bought a large enough batch and could afford to order the operation had the conversion done.

And to us they look alike, but if you think about how to beautify a beat-up surplus revolver at a time when revolvers were a dime a dozen, cutting the awkward long barrel, a more popular caliber, cheap nickeling, some "fancy" plastic stocks (remember, back then plastics were exciting and good!) all just make sense to make the things more attractive to customers. It would not be too surprising if that's what everybody did, and it is not the mark of one company.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 04-16-2017, 02:23 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,483
Likes: 236
Liked 28,949 Times in 14,015 Posts
Default

I've thought that a good topic for a Master's Thesis project would be the history of the surplus British Victories during the Post-WWII era including their use by the Austrian and German police and the story of the US imports.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 04-17-2017, 08:38 AM
handejector's Avatar
handejector handejector is offline
Administrator
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 27,014
Likes: 7,107
Liked 48,569 Times in 9,219 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by policerevolvercollector View Post
In the '60s ( I think),a company nickled and added fake stags to a thousands of BSRs. Which company was this?
Bubba's Bumper Shop & Bar-B-Q?????

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett
Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #14  
Old 04-17-2017, 10:39 AM
THE PILGRIM's Avatar
THE PILGRIM THE PILGRIM is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Posts: 13,847
Likes: 8,067
Liked 25,340 Times in 8,518 Posts
Default

I remember seeing a pile of them at KMart.
They were re-chambered and crudely marked 38 Special.
These didn't appear to have any other changes.
They were cheap but I passed.
__________________
NRA LIFE MEMBER
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-17-2017, 12:33 PM
Texas Star Texas Star is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 20,362
Likes: 24,260
Liked 16,154 Times in 7,408 Posts
Default

They aren't the guns meant here, but the USAF had a number of .38 Special Victory Models nickeled and given fake stag stocks for use by the SAC Elite Guard Air Police.


These were worn crossdraw on fancy gun belts with a wide chrome buckle. Those guys also got the blue beret long before the rest of us AF cops did.


Many more Victories served in original form until enough Combat Masterpieces were in service.


I presume that these USAF modified guns had better workmanship than the pawn shop specials in this thread.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 04-17-2017, 02:02 PM
opoefc opoefc is offline
Absent Comrade
US Veteran
SWCA Founding Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: San Diego, CA. USA
Posts: 10,536
Likes: 3,529
Liked 6,883 Times in 2,796 Posts
Default

As mentioned above, "Dave's House of Guns" in Texas was a major supplier of these modified Victory Models in the 70s & 80s. I bought many of them as cheap inventory for my gun store. Ed.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 04-17-2017, 06:23 PM
lowgun lowgun is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 3
Liked 32 Times in 16 Posts
Default

I assume most of us remember Ye Olde Hunter, and N.F.Strebe gun works, both within five miles of the White House. Ye Olde Hunter may not have been a producer but Norman Strebe had a full production gunsmithing business where he converted thousands of guns from surplus military to "something else".
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 04-18-2017, 09:26 AM
Tired Gunsmith Tired Gunsmith is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Hillsboro Beach, FL
Posts: 418
Likes: 20
Liked 237 Times in 114 Posts
Default

Norman Strebe and Dave Goldstein were great friends and business associates.
Probably most of the guns altered for "Dave's" were done by Strebe's shop.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 04-18-2017, 01:34 PM
daddy bear daddy bear is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 332
Likes: 78
Liked 283 Times in 145 Posts
Default

My first snub nose was one of those cut down victory models converted to .38 Special, nickeled (rather poorly) and cut to about 2". $20 . It split almost every case upon firing. Yet, when I traded it in for something better, a .38-44 Outdoorsman 4", I got my money back. I wonder why I do not still have the .38-44?

Best,

Jack
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 04-20-2017, 05:23 PM
ec fan ec fan is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southeastern USA
Posts: 32
Likes: 600
Liked 25 Times in 9 Posts
Default

Is this one of them?

It would have had to have been done before the early to mid-60s. It belonged to my dad and it shoots well for a snubby, .38 Special. It has a "V" serial #. Lots of sentimental value for me.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Daddy's 38.jpg (95.8 KB, 105 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #21  
Old 04-20-2017, 05:28 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ec fan View Post
Is this one of them?

It would have had to have been done before the early to mid-60s. It belonged to my dad and it shoots well for a snubby, .38 Special. It has a "V" serial #. Lots of sentimental value for me.
Yes, a classic specimen. Pre-early 1960s is right; most with legible date codes on the view mark are late '50s (that's when they were proofed for sale in Britain).

The view mark is found in front of the trigger guard (see photo); on yours, I can't make out anything, it may have fallen victim to the nickeling.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_2373.jpg (52.2 KB, 57 views)

Last edited by Absalom; 04-20-2017 at 05:33 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #22  
Old 04-20-2017, 05:32 PM
jimmyj's Avatar
jimmyj jimmyj is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DUNNELLON, FLORIDA USA
Posts: 11,102
Likes: 1,690
Liked 16,302 Times in 4,231 Posts
Default

Southern Gun Distributors-Miami, Florida.
1. bore out chamber to accept .38spl.
2. some had the barrels chopped off to two inches
3. remove lanyard ring and fill in butt hole
4. nickel plate entire weapon (over existing original finish)
5. apply cheap plastic stag grips
Retail at $29.95 wholesale to FFL $20.95
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #23  
Old 04-20-2017, 05:54 PM
ec fan ec fan is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southeastern USA
Posts: 32
Likes: 600
Liked 25 Times in 9 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
Yes, a classic specimen. Pre-early 1960s is right; most with legible date codes on the view mark are late '50s (that's when they were proofed for sale in Britain).

The view mark is found in front of the trigger guard (see photo); on yours, I can't make out anything, it may have fallen victim to the nickeling.

Thanks, Absalom. So this one was probably sent to Britain? Any other probable historical info? I like learning about such things.

Is this what is called a "pre-model-10"?

My late husband told me that these older revolvers didn't have the safety feature to prevent it from firing if accidentally dropped the wrong way, and to be careful not to drop it when it is loaded. Also, to not use +P ammo in it. We never shot it a whole lot, but we did shoot it some and it shoots just fine. I treasure it because it was my daddy's.

I can't look to see whether it has a view mark or not right now because the gun is "put up". When I get a chance, I'll take a better look. I took this photo several years ago, but I can't see any mark in it either, zooming in on my computer.

Again, many thanks for the info. (I love S&W revolvers.)
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 04-20-2017, 06:05 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ec fan View Post
Thanks, Absalom. So this one was probably sent to Britain? Any other probable historical info? I like learning about such things.

Is this what is called a "pre-model-10"?

My late husband told me that these older revolvers didn't have the safety feature to prevent it from firing if accidentally dropped the wrong way, and to be careful not to drop it when it is loaded. Also, to not use +P ammo in it.....
If there is an emergency and +P is all you've got, go ahead, it will not blow up, but otherwise indeed avoid any hot loads.

S&W revolvers do have a safety feature, but it failed in 1944 and killed a sailor, leading to the development of an improved one which yours doesn't have. In normal use, any risk is remote.

Yes, it most likely went to Britain, although other allied countries like Canada are possibilities too. Any surviving markings might or might not provide clues. If you post the serial number from the butt, someone here will give you a decent guess when it shipped from the factory. And it is too early to be a pre-Model 10; those didn't start until 1948 (although this gun does indeed belong in the eventual Model 10's family tree).
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 04-20-2017, 10:25 PM
Kframerbluvr Kframerbluvr is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Central Virginia
Posts: 626
Likes: 4,455
Liked 485 Times in 237 Posts
Default

Didn't Klein's Sporting Goods sell these on mail order back in the '60s?
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 04-20-2017, 11:23 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kframerbluvr View Post
Didn't Klein's Sporting Goods sell these on mail order back in the '60s?
They did, but all the Klein's advertisements I've looked at offered them specifically as war surplus, including the shortened versions, with the original finish, original-style smooth stocks, and the lanyard still in place.

PS: Same with the .38 Spl. BSR which Lee Harvey Oswald ordered from Seaport Traders. Converted and shortened, and minus the swivel, but otherwise original. No nickel, no fake stags. So not all purveyors went for that look.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg kleins ad BSR.JPG (109.0 KB, 59 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4471.JPG (67.4 KB, 69 views)

Last edited by Absalom; 04-20-2017 at 11:44 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #27  
Old 04-21-2017, 11:57 PM
ec fan ec fan is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southeastern USA
Posts: 32
Likes: 600
Liked 25 Times in 9 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
If there is an emergency and +P is all you've got, go ahead, it will not blow up, but otherwise indeed avoid any hot loads.

S&W revolvers do have a safety feature, but it failed in 1944 and killed a sailor, leading to the development of an improved one which yours doesn't have. In normal use, any risk is remote.

Yes, it most likely went to Britain, although other allied countries like Canada are possibilities too. Any surviving markings might or might not provide clues. If you post the serial number from the butt, someone here will give you a decent guess when it shipped from the factory. And it is too early to be a pre-Model 10; those didn't start until 1948 (although this gun does indeed belong in the eventual Model 10's family tree).

Thanks so much for the additional info. I have newer ones, so this one hasn't been loaded in several years.

I still haven't had a chance to take a closer look at the gun, but I had recorded the serial #. It is V458xxx, if anyone knows the approximate date or other info.

Were all of these manufactured specifically to be sent to allied troops in other countries? Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 04-22-2017, 08:48 AM
JSR III's Avatar
JSR III JSR III is offline
SWCA Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Massachusetts USA
Posts: 9,575
Likes: 3,695
Liked 8,924 Times in 3,545 Posts
Default

In 50+ years of handling guns I have never dropped one so the fear of accidental discharge is nil.

My best advice, don't drop your gun.
__________________
James Redfield
LM #497
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #29  
Old 04-22-2017, 10:22 AM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,474
Likes: 88,978
Liked 24,786 Times in 8,483 Posts
Default

Welcome to the Forum.

"Were all of these manufactured specifically to be sent to allied troops in other countries? Thanks."

Yes, they were. Great Britain and its commonwealth countries did not have enough side arms and contracted with S&W at the beginning of WW II to supply these revolvers. After the end of the war, they were declared surplus and sold.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #30  
Old 04-22-2017, 11:14 AM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,483
Likes: 236
Liked 28,949 Times in 14,015 Posts
Default

" It is V458xxx, if anyone knows the approximate date or other info."
On my list is V4576xx which shipped in 12/43
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #31  
Old 04-22-2017, 11:49 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ec fan View Post
.......
I still haven't had a chance to take a closer look at the gun, but I had recorded the serial #. It is V458xxx, if anyone knows the approximate date or other info.

Were all of these manufactured specifically to be sent to allied troops in other countries? Thanks.
The attached pictures show what yours looked like when it left the factory and went to war. This one is about half a year later, V604xxx.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_2364.jpg (148.6 KB, 37 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2372.jpg (105.2 KB, 33 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #32  
Old 06-10-2017, 11:57 PM
policerevolvercollector policerevolvercollector is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Georgia
Posts: 2,685
Likes: 2,473
Liked 5,898 Times in 1,224 Posts
Default

I finally found a pic online. This is exactly what I am talking about;



Best,
Charles
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #33  
Old 06-11-2017, 09:07 AM
Steve912 Steve912 is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 4,172
Liked 2,327 Times in 1,194 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ordnanceguy View Post
Here you go, straight from the Victory Model archives.

[/IMG]
What a relief! Glad to see Parker Hale wasn't doing the
nickle plate and fake stag grips routine.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 05-14-2020, 01:22 PM
Checkman's Avatar
Checkman Checkman is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Idaho
Posts: 976
Likes: 1,947
Liked 1,533 Times in 334 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RdrBill View Post
All.
Might as well see one. This is NOT mine. It is listed at the LGS.
Bill@Yuma


See I would like to own one of the British conversion jobs. They would make a neat conversation piece and I've always had a thing for conversion pieces. Not any old basement gunsmithing piece mind you. Pieces that showed some work went into them, but I do like them. That one looks like something a character in a Berkely Mather or Hammon Innes (both were British novelists) novel would have carried. Especially the captain of a slightly disreputable "fishing boat" meandering along the coasts of Africa or the owner of an "import-export" business in Kuala Lumpar during the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960).
__________________
I type. Therefore I am.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #35  
Old 05-14-2020, 01:34 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Checkman View Post
....Especially the captain of a slightly disreputable "fishing boat" meandering along the coasts of Africa or the owner of an "import-export" business in Kuala Lumpar during the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960).
Actually, those kinds of characters would much more likely have carried an unconverted piece.

The .38 Special/refinish/snubby conversion was mostly a thing for the bottom shelf of the US market. The higher-quality British-done variants were also, due to the limited market in Europe, most likely to end up here.

Many, likely the majority of the 570,000 or so BSR's never made it back to the US, but remained in some use all over the world, wherever the British still were after 1945, in their original caliber. We've had stories here of BSR's still carried by police of former colonies and Commonwealth countries in the 2000s.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 05-14-2020, 01:46 PM
Checkman's Avatar
Checkman Checkman is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Idaho
Posts: 976
Likes: 1,947
Liked 1,533 Times in 334 Posts
Wink

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
Actually, those kinds of characters would much more likely have carried an unconverted piece.

The .38 Special/refinish/snubby conversion was mostly a thing for the bottom shelf of the US market. The higher-quality British-done variants were also, due to the limited market in Europe, most likely to end up here.

Many, likely the majority of the 570,000 or so BSR's never made it back to the US, but remained in some use all over the world, wherever the British still were after 1945, in their original caliber. We've had stories here of BSR's still carried by police of former colonies and Commonwealth countries in the 2000s.
Here comes reality again. No doubt, but it's my fantasy. Thanks for the info regardless. I actually own one of the WWII (unconverted) 38/200 Colt OP with the 5" barrel. I wasn't looking for it, but it found me.
__________________
I type. Therefore I am.

Last edited by Checkman; 05-14-2020 at 01:48 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #37  
Old 05-14-2020, 01:53 PM
ParadiseRoad's Avatar
ParadiseRoad ParadiseRoad is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,774
Likes: 17,025
Liked 39,804 Times in 7,848 Posts
Default

...Klein's sold them...

__________________
A Country Boy Can Survive
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 05-14-2020, 02:01 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,483
Likes: 236
Liked 28,949 Times in 14,015 Posts
Default

Finding an unconverted BSR in original condition is not all that common these days.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 05-14-2020, 04:26 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Checkman View Post
..... I actually own one of the WWII (unconverted) 38/200 Colt OP with the 5" barrel. I wasn't looking for it, but it found me.
There you have something considerably rarer than an original or converted S&W BSR.

Only 18,252 of those were shipped by Colt, all but two going to the British Purchasing Commission. The destination of those two is known to Colt Archives, but unless you’re lettering one of them, they’ll remain classified.

The interesting thing is that, while I’ve come across a few .38/200 OP’s with converted chambers, I have never seen or heard of one turned into a snubby or nickeled, which happened to the BSR’s in large numbers. Just a little puzzle.
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 05-14-2020, 05:05 PM
tenntex32's Avatar
tenntex32 tenntex32 is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 925
Liked 2,173 Times in 836 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
They did, but all the Klein's advertisements I've looked at offered them specifically as war surplus, including the shortened versions, with the original finish, original-style smooth stocks, and the lanyard still in place.

PS: Same with the .38 Spl. BSR which Lee Harvey Oswald ordered from Seaport Traders. Converted and shortened, and minus the swivel, but otherwise original. No nickel, no fake stags. So not all purveyors went for that look.
Look at that "snubbied" M1917 in the lower left of the sales advertisement pic.

I wonder how many M1917 examples met that fate?

Dale
Attached Images
File Type: jpg kleins ad snubbed BSR and M1917.JPG (109.0 KB, 32 views)

Last edited by tenntex32; 05-14-2020 at 05:08 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 05-14-2020, 07:32 PM
jimmyj's Avatar
jimmyj jimmyj is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DUNNELLON, FLORIDA USA
Posts: 11,102
Likes: 1,690
Liked 16,302 Times in 4,231 Posts
Default

SOUTHERN GUN DISTRIBUTORS OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 05-16-2020, 09:25 PM
AlanDavid AlanDavid is offline
Member
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 205
Likes: 229
Liked 199 Times in 89 Posts
Default Parker Hale and Cogswell & Harrison

Collectors often look down upon these BSR conversions done in the UK by firms such as Cogswell & Harrison and Parker Hale. However while they remain comparatively inexpensive now would be a good time to pick up a tidy and representative example of these conversions, its only a question of time before they start to become collectable and prices begin to rise.

Regards

AlanD
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 05-16-2020, 10:16 PM
Targets Guy's Avatar
Targets Guy Targets Guy is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,688
Liked 18,968 Times in 5,588 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ordnanceguy View Post
Here you go, straight from the Victory Model archives.

I just took the bottom one shooting today. Did a good job.





__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #44  
Old 05-16-2020, 10:25 PM
Targets Guy's Avatar
Targets Guy Targets Guy is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,688
Liked 18,968 Times in 5,588 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
There you have something considerably rarer than an original or converted S&W BSR.

Only 18,252 of those were shipped by Colt, all but two going to the British Purchasing Commission. The destination of those two is known to Colt Archives, but unless you’re lettering one of them, they’ll remain classified.

The interesting thing is that, while I’ve come across a few .38/200 OP’s with converted chambers, I have never seen or heard of one turned into a snubby or nickeled, which happened to the BSR’s in large numbers. Just a little puzzle.

This one shipped in 12/1941 as a blue Lend Lease .38SW 5" barreled revolver. When I got it the cylinder had been reamed and a replacement 4" .38 special barrel put on it. I bought a new unused Victory 5" .SW barrel, had it chromed to match the rest of the revolver and converted the gun back to a .38SW 5" barreled revolver.


When I bought it



as it is now






so not nickeled but chromed.
__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #45  
Old 05-17-2020, 01:54 AM
elm_creek_smith's Avatar
elm_creek_smith elm_creek_smith is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Tulsa County
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 1,644
Liked 3,135 Times in 1,146 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ordnanceguy View Post
Here you go, straight from the Victory Model archives.



It might blasphemous, but I'd have popped for one of those Webley & Scott Mk IV revolvers!

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk
__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36
Reply With Quote
  #46  
Old 05-17-2020, 02:14 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by elm_creek_smith View Post
It might blasphemous, but I'd have popped for one of those Webley & Scott Mk IV revolvers!
In contrast to the S&W revolvers, the Webleys were generally sold as surplus in original condition. No refinish, no new aftermarket stocks, and if you were lucky and got one made before the end of 1941, even without additional post-war commercial proofs, as W&S continued pre-war proofing until then.
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 05-17-2020, 04:27 PM
Checkman's Avatar
Checkman Checkman is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Idaho
Posts: 976
Likes: 1,947
Liked 1,533 Times in 334 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
There you have something considerably rarer than an original or converted S&W BSR.

Only 18,252 of those were shipped by Colt, all but two going to the British Purchasing Commission. The destination of those two is known to Colt Archives, but unless you’re lettering one of them, they’ll remain classified.

The interesting thing is that, while I’ve come across a few .38/200 OP’s with converted chambers, I have never seen or heard of one turned into a snubby or nickeled, which happened to the BSR’s in large numbers. Just a little puzzle.
Here it is. From when I first learned about this particular specimen until I was able to purchase it was seven years. A few times I felt like just quitting, but my wife made me stay at it.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg BritOP7_zpsjwvp0fnc.jpg (82.1 KB, 14 views)
File Type: jpg BritOP9_zpsgjtbyby6.jpg (118.3 KB, 15 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_5658.jpg (90.5 KB, 17 views)
__________________
I type. Therefore I am.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #48  
Old 05-17-2020, 04:37 PM
Checkman's Avatar
Checkman Checkman is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Idaho
Posts: 976
Likes: 1,947
Liked 1,533 Times in 334 Posts
Default

Here is the 38-200 OP next to my post-war 5" M&P on top (mfd. 1948) and my pre-WWI 6" M&P 3rd Change in the middle (mfd. 1912/13). Just for the sake of comparison. The 3rd Change has been tinkered with by different backyard gunsmiths over the past several decades, but it still works like a charm and was the beginning of my revolver collection. Not worth as much as my later acquisitions, but has great sentimental value.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_5672.jpg (101.6 KB, 9 views)
__________________
I type. Therefore I am.
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 05-17-2020, 05:11 PM
Sistema1927's Avatar
Sistema1927 Sistema1927 is offline
US Veteran
*PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....? *PIC ADDED*What was the name of the company that "refurbished" Victory Models .....?  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: "Land of Disenchantment"
Posts: 3,374
Likes: 3,918
Liked 9,075 Times in 2,497 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JSR III View Post
In 50+ years of handling guns I have never dropped one so the fear of accidental discharge is nil.

My best advice, don't drop your gun.
Good advice.

However, if you do drop one, don't try to catch it. You are in more danger trying to catch it than you are from letting it hit the ground.
__________________
Only a cold warrior
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
S&W 38 special ctg nickel victory refurbished Red Deer Manager S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 17 11-25-2016 08:42 PM
"S" marking on Victory Models BibleronKJV S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 9 05-29-2014 05:03 PM
"SV" S/N prefix Victory Models... M1Garandy S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 3 01-28-2014 11:27 PM
USMC "Victory Officers Models" shipped to Camp Lejeune, NC medxam The Lounge 13 04-30-2013 10:50 AM
Does S&W sell "refurbished" guns? les45 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 3 11-29-2012 08:14 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:43 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)