Quote:
Originally Posted by Squarebody86
It has very few markings, but all assembly numbers match. There is no lanyard ring and it appears to be chromed or polished Serial number is V89xxx.
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You have a former Lend-Lease British Service Victory from mid-1942 which was modified after the war for commercisl sale, by shortening the barrel from 5“, refinishing in nickel, and adding aftermarket grip panels. Markings were likely removed during the refinish. The gun was likely converted to fit .38 Special, which you can easily try out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KY1911
Serial # 916322 matching on bottom of grip frame, cylinder and barrel. 38 S&W CTG; Made in USA; WB, P and "bomb" stamped on bottom of grip frame; "United States Property" stamped on top; ....
NZ 2921 stamped on top of backstrap below hammer. Appears to be original bluing ....
I don't think the lanyard ring is original.
Any thoughts on dates and/or markings is appreciated.
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You have a largely original Lend-Lease gun that went to New Zealand. The serial puts it in early 1942, maybe February, before the V prefix started. The lanyard ring is indeed the standard round British type; S&W rings were oval. The stampings on the butt are standard ordnance inspection marks, WB for Waldemar Broberg, the P is a military proof. You should also check whether it’s been converted, although yours is more likely to still be the original .38 S&W.