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Originally Posted by cuttman58
says 38s&w ctg on barrel serial number is v 247544
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cuttman58
Did you notice the post above (post #29) where
hsguy recommended a new thread for new questions? That was good advice. It is easy to start a new question and not tag onto the end of an existing thread, like you have done here. And your question will get a lot more attention that way!
Having said that, I answered this question for you on another forum, where you showed me pictures of this revolver. Here is what I wrote there:
Quote:
Hello
First of all, the serial number is V247544. That letter V is an important part of the serial number. It indicates wartime production, specifically early 1943, in this case.
This appears to be a British Service Revolver, made for UK forces during WWII. The 5" barrel on yours was the standard length for those guns - the equivalent .38 Special revolver made for US troops (principally the Navy) had 4" barrels.
As you suspected, your revolver is chambered for the .38 S&W cartridge and should say so on the right side of the barrel. Many of these were altered during the postwar period, with the chamber reamed out to allow use of the .38 Special. Such actions really ruined the gun and destroyed any and all collector interest. It is a good thing that this was not done to your example.
However, this gun has been nickel plated since its wartime service and that also has harmed the value. The grips are an aftermarket addition and appear to be the type made by Franzite. Also, the butt swivel has been removed. That is what the hole in the bottom of the grip frame is all about.
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I hope that addresses your questions.