Hello,

For fathers Day I inherited my great, and then grandfathers 38 Special they carried as County Coroners in Montana.
Let me be clear... I have no intentions of selling it and intend to pass it down when my time comes, but I would like to know some basic info.

Firstly: Age.
It is stamped U.S. NAVY and has a "V" serial number beginning with 129***
I've dont some minor research and believe it is most likely WW2 era?

Second: Condition.
I realise it is an older weapon but still seems in pretty good condition in my opinion. The only issue is the aftermarket grip. My it's comfortable though.

Value is not concern but if there are any ball park numbers, it's always fun to know.

Thank you for your time and any/all info is appreciated.

J

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That one probably shipped in 1942-43 Others more knowledgeable will be along. That one has a nice finish, and I don't see anything that screams refinish, if it was someone did a very good job. What a neat first post welcome to the forum! Oh and I have not seen that type of Franzite grips before.

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Randy

Thank you. My understanding is, it is as it has always been. Well cared for and locked away since my grandfather resigned as coroner in the early 70s.

I am only the 3rd to have it and as i understand it, it was rarely even removed from the holster for anything other than routine maintenance, let alone being fired. There seems to by very little wear on the cylinder.

The grips are pretty great. There is a rather large thumb rest which gives it a great feel.

Welcome! The V prefix serial numbers started in about April 1942 so this one is definitely a WW II era sidearm.

It appears to be in good condition but this model originally had a medium gray phosphate finish, similar to a process called Parkerizing. From the photos this one appears blued. If so it is more difficult to put a value on it, but an original US Navy stamped example would be in the $600 range or so. Of course, as a family heirloom it is priceless but you seem to get that . Enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I think Alan may be misled by the less than ideal lighting, which gives the gun a bluish tint. As far as I can tell, the finish is original. The surface texture and the crisp markings, both logo and US NAVY, give no indication of a refinish. A re-finished bluing job will usually smooth out the typical rougher Victory surface. A good photo in better, ideally natural light could remove any doubts.

The serial places the gun in the fall of 1942, likely October/November. The Franzite grips were very popular replacements for the uncomfortable originals with police officers in the 50s and 60s. They made many different styles imitating lots of materials from wood to horn to ivory; this style is one I have not seen either.

Thanks for the comments.Yes, its definitely grey. The flash on my phone gave it that effect.

I've attached another photo taken in a room with better light and no flash.

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Welcome to the best gun forum I've found.

That's a very nice revolver for its age, and I know you'll treasure it.

Have you shot it? I hope so.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Thank you for the kind words.

I've only just aquired it today, but I intend to.

Sooner than later.

I agree that this is certainly not a refinish. With the original handles (handles & stocks are both correct terms for a S&W) numbered to the revolver, its $600'ish in my neck of the woods. As is, with the Sile/Franzite, $450 + or -. The aftermarket stocks would be much more comfortable, I agree, but hurt the value to a collector. I would be searching for the originals vigorously, now, before they disappear, if they exist. But no matter the configuration, it passes through your ancestors, and that makes it priceless. Congrats and welcome to the forum.

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Jeb

The second photo seems to show the original finish. The original stocks were smooth walnut with no medallions and are not expensive, so getting it back to original appearance is pretty easy.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Nice heirloom!



Noooo!! Don't store it in the holster! That's just asking for corrosion and/or unwanted finish wear.....

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I wouldn't put original service grips on it. It's an heirloom and should be left like your GGF and GF wanted it. Besides, those grips are much better for shooting. And, yes, you can shoot +P ammo with it.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Is that the original holster? Pretty unusual. Is there a brand name or model on it?

Looks to have seen little use.

Nice family heirloom. I would recommend you at least acquire a set of original grips to be kept with it. They are easy to find now but in the future - who knows!
Jim

Honestly I dont know if it's original or not but I'm told they've been together for the fast majority of its life.

I've attached a photo for reference. Admittedly, I dont know much about holsters.

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It is a commercial Heiser holster, and I bet the local holster experts (turnerriver is one) will let you know more details should he see this thread.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Looking forward to the info.. Thanks!

I agree with what the Wiregrass says about the stocks, he's a very smart guy and one of the nicest too, he sponsored me for SWCA. But, if the originals are still around, find them, they're serial numbered to the revolver and stamped so on the inside of the right panel.

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Jeb

Here's the Victory Navy model I own, shipped in 1942. I'm posting so if you decide to get a set of original walnut grips for the pistol, these are what they look like. Also, to bring it back to original you'd need to find a lanyard ring for the butt of the frame. The pin that holds the lanyard might still be there. This also came with an original Navy shoulder holster.



Enjoy it. They are a great piece of history and a lot of fun to shoot too!

LETSROK ---

I never get tired of seeing those old Victory revolvers. Yours is a dandy. Used , not abused , well preserved.

You are getting a lot of good advice here. My $.02 worth , (payable in the next life) , : Your Pa , or Granpa , put those grips on the revolver. They are period cool and look like they would shoot real well. I'd leave Pa's grips right where they are.

Go out and shoot it , for sure. That gun can handle +p alright , but I see no need to feed it anything that exceeds 850 fps. Why make an old gun work hard?

No No - a thousand times NO on storing in the leather holster. As others have said , doing so puts that fine old finish at risk.

Thanks for sharing , and enjoy your treasure!

The Heiser Hi-Ride semi shoulder holster was first cataloged in the 1950’s. It was designed primarily for law enforcement use and was popular in the 1950’s & ‘60’s. Bucheimer, Brauer and other makers sold similar models.
Regards,
turnerriver

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turnerriver

That's definitely it. Thanks for all the info everyone.

I knew this was the place to get it. You've all been great.

Thanks again!