I mentioned this several years ago but a local store has a .38 special Victory model (S/N around V175XXX) with custom grips (marked SGT. his name, an oriental dragon, and Korea 1950) with pearl inlay and black wood that appear to have been made in Japan during the user's tour of duty in Korea.

They are asking $595 which I thought too high but when I looked at the markings again today I do not remember seeing US Property (or any markings) on the the top strap and there was a flaming bomb on butt strap with no acceptance markings.

Based on what I saw on the internet, this appears to have been used by security guards during WW2 (how it ended up in service during Korea is making me scratch my head)?

I really am into the collecting of firearms for the history aspect and honestly want one that was produced for military service.

Just curious if there is any difference in values of a pistol produced for actual military use or one that was part of the civilian defense market?

Thoughts??

The grips could have been brought home from Korea and put on a revolver that never left the US.
I brought about 10 sets of S&W style grips back from Thailand in 1975 and used them or sold them over the years.

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John

Guns with the flaming bomb on the butt and no US Property markings went through the DSC (Defense Supply Corporation).

Civilian production of firearms was halted during the war, so the DSC had to approve guns for law enforcement, gov’t contract manufacturers and others who could demonstrate a need. I think these are interesting and worth lettering, since you never know where they went. Letters won’t tell you much on military marked guns.

Here’s a link to a thread about a DSC Victory that I own.

DSC Victory Model - Timken Detroit Axle Co.

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"I also cook."

Generally, military-shipped Victorys with the US PROPERTY GHD stamping on the topstrap are the most numerous of the US version in .38 Special and easiest and cheapest to find. You should certainly be able to obtain one with a bit of searching, all original for less than the $595 they want for this one. And the property stamp guarantees you that you’re getting a military-issued gun.

For reasons given above (you’re more likely to be able to find out the specific end user via a letter), DSC gun with unmarked topstraps tend to be a bit higher priced. US NAVY marked guns get the highest prices, aside from rare original 2” barreled Victorys which draw crazy money.

All great info.

Regarding the value, while I was looking for a military service version, is $595 too high for a DSC version (with non-original grips)?

I didn't realize that the DSC examples command a higher price (I guess it makes sense due to lower #s).

Other than the grips, it was in very good condition.

I'll have to dissent on the values given. Victory Models have appreciated quite a bit in the last couple of years with the end of WWII reaching the 75 year milestone. Yes, you can always find a deal.
I have a near mint example, US Property Marked and lettered as shipping to the Navy Yard in Oakland CA and I sure wouldn't take less than $750 or $800 for it these days.

If you consider that, for your valuation, you have “near mint” (I presume all original and all matching including stocks) on a Navy-shipped specimen, uncommon in itself, and add the $100 for the letter, none of which apply to the gun considered by the OP, there isn’t that much margin of dissent to my contention that the OP can find one with normal wear and without letter below the asking price.

Of course it depends a bit on how one views and values the stocks. I consider this home-baked custom stuff worse than just mismatched correct stocks unless there is a personal connection to the person who caused these to be made.