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Old 05-06-2012, 05:51 PM
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1st Victory - Shipped in 1942, with the extra naval marking on the side being a desirable variation. If the stocks are factory numbered to the gun, then the checkering was added along the way. Otherwise they're likely 20's vintage.

2nd Victory - From 1943, but obviously refinished and with commercial magna stocks. "BNP" stands for "Birmingham Nitro Proof" so the gun clearly was in the UK at some point.

3rd Victory - This one is from 1944. Are you sure the factory marking on the barrel isn't for .38 S&W rather than .38 Special? If a .38 Special marking has been added, then it should be a conversion. In that case, you should check that only .38 Special fits. If a .38 S&W round will also chamber, then the cylinder has simply been reamed out to take the .38 Special round, and you will likely experience bulged or ruptured casings if you shoot it with that round. "FTR" marking stands for "Factory Thorough Repair" with the accompanying "53" meaning this was done in 1953. The "3 1/2 TONS" is a commercial proof marking applied when the revolver was sold by the British gov't.

Besides the one with the plugged hole in the butt, the other two appear to have lost their butt swivels along the way as well.
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