Hello guys. My first post. My girlfriend's father received this gun from his father, who got it when he was a sheriff in a small town in the 50's. We were just looking to get some info on it, and approximate year and maybe an approximate value.(even though it won't be for sale) Thanks
The gun is a 38 S&W special CTG
Above the cylinder it says US Property GSD
It is a 4" barrel
The SN starts with a V 294XXX and I believe the first 3 numbers are 294(If more are needed I can get them)
I know the V stands for victory, but what does victory stand for?

Hello guys. My first post. My girlfriend's father received this gun from his father, who got it when he was a sheriff in a small town in the 50's. We were just looking to get some info on it, and approximate year and maybe an approximate value.(even though it won't be for sale) Thanks
The gun is a 38 S&W special CTG
Above the cylinder it says US Property GSD
It is a 4" barrel
The SN starts with a V 294XXX and I believe the first 3 numbers are 294(If more are needed I can get them)
I know the V stands for victory, but what does victory stand for?

Welcome to the forum

I'll take a stab although there are others here more knowledgeable.

You have what is known as a Victory Model made during WWII as supplementary sidearms for the US and Great Britain.
The GSD mark is probably GHD for Guy H Drury who was the inspector from 1937-1950

Forgot...the Victory stands for victory against the Axis powers

fightitout, nice looking Victory. The gun appears to be original although the screws indicate someone without the proper tools removed the sideplate at some time. The gun likely shipped in 1943 and a history letter from S&W would tell the actual day and to whom it shipped. As to value these guns seem to have picked up in recent years and would probably be in the $350-$400 range. All the numbers should match; butt, rear of cylinder, bottom of barrel, inside of extractor star, rear of crane and inside right grip to bring top dollar. John

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John. SWCA #1586

The above designates the ammunition to use in this revolver. CTG is an abbrevieation for "Cartridge". Most people would just say ".38 Special".

These are highly desirable right now.

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You're shy a few manners.