Victory data base

[Victory Nick]

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[Victory Nick]

These are the grips that were on it when I got it. Also I think the last photo shows the marking of a CAI stamp.


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[Targets Guy]

V635xxx shipped 7/44

 

[Absalom]

... Also I think the last photo shows the marking of a CAI stamp.
..

It does indeed.
The finish is a bit of a puzzle. The remnants of the really dark thick black paint in some places are obvious, but judging by the condition of the stampings, especially the partly buffed-off MADE IN USA, the dull gray underneath is a refinish also, not the original Victory finish; that would be physically impossible.

If I had to make a WAG, I'd say this gun got first a British suncorite refinish (mostly what's visible now) and then a coarser Indian black paint job that's only left in a few places.

 

[Victory Nick]

It does indeed.

The finish is a bit of a puzzle. The remnants of the really dark thick black paint in some places are obvious, but judging by the condition of the stampings, especially the partly buffed-off MADE IN USA, the dull gray underneath is a refinish also, not the original Victory finish; that would be physically impossible.



If I had to make a WAG, I'd say this gun got first a British suncorite refinish (mostly what's visible now) and then a coarser Indian black paint job that's only left in a few places.

Ok thank you very much for your input.


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[WaterDR]

Anyone know what the “B” or maybe it’s an “8” is mere the V?

 

[WaterDR]

Btw it’s a .38 special serial number 291669. 4”

 

[Absalom]

Anyone know what the “B” or maybe it’s an “8” is mere the V?

I think you are referring to the “flaming bomb” ordnance stamp to the left and a bit up from the V. That is found on the butt of Victorys and can be mistaken for a letter. Given the serial, likely late spring 1943, am I correct to assume your gun does not have a US PROPERTY stamp on the topstrap?

Btw., I assume you’re aware that those grips are not the original ones, but post-war.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, WaterDR!

 

[WaterDR]

Not my gun but one I was considering.

 

[FitzRoper]

Another Victory...

Just picked this up. It does not appear to be property marked in any way. It does have a strange 'CAL. 38 SPECIAL' stamp on the frame under the cylinder. Not a nice stamp either. Marked '38 S&W CTG' on barrel.

 

[Absalom]

Just picked this up. It does not appear to be property marked in any way. It does have a strange 'CAL. 38 SPECIAL' stamp on the frame under the cylinder. Not a nice stamp either. Marked '38 S&W CTG' on barrel.
......

Likely from very late 1943 or early 1944.

At that serial, it should have had a US PROPERTY stamping on the topstrap, as only Lend-lease guns were made in that original caliber and configuration at that time. If the stamp isn't there, it was likely disappeared.

The caliber stamping on the frame indicates it was converted to .38 Special after the war. This is observed occasionally, although usually below the cylinder latch. It may just have been one specific converter (of many) who marked his work like this.

 

[FitzRoper]

Likely from very late 1943 or early 1944.

At that serial, it should have had a US PROPERTY stamping on the topstrap, as only Lend-lease guns were made in that original caliber and configuration at that time. If the stamp isn't there, it was likely disappeared.

The caliber stamping on the frame indicates it was converted to .38 Special after the war. This is observed occasionally, although usually below the cylinder latch. It may just have been one specific converter (of many) who marked his work like this.

I swear I looked and looked and looked! It does indeed have the U.S. Govt. stamp on it. Was the conversion as simple as boring the cylinders deeper to accept the longer cases?

 

[Absalom]

.... Was the conversion as simple as boring the cylinders deeper to accept the longer cases?

That was the way it was usually done. The .38 S&W is a little shorter and slightly fatter. So the Specials are just a bit loose and may bulge, but that’s not safety-relevant. The bullet diameter is close enough for the barrel to produce accuracy at handgun distances. Some not very common, mostly British, conversions were sleeved.

 

[policerevolvercollector]

I don't know if this will help. But, I have 4" .38 Special #992042 that was part of a 1400 gun DSC shipment in 1942. It went to Wack Manufacturing in Altoona PA.

 

[Absalom]

I don't know if this will help. But, I have 4" .38 Special #992042 that was part of a 1400 gun DSC shipment in 1942. It went to Wack Manufacturing in Altoona PA.

Now that’s interesting. Do you have that lettered or did you come by the info another way? I doubt that Wack got 1400 guns, so was this a DSC-direct shipment from which Wack then received their revolvers? The serial is early enough for that.

 

[policerevolvercollector]

Pics added.

It letters as part of the big shipment to various companies through the DSC. This one went to Wack Manufacturing on May 15,1942.

Purists: Avert your eyes!!

I was nickled when I bought it. I'll take the credit (or the blame) for the Catalin stocks. It had Jay Scott faux black "pearls" when I got it. I figured..... what the heck?

 

[lkabug]

I have two Victory models to add, I'll do so separately.
First S/N V496557, 4 inch, 38 spl.

 

[Absalom]

It letters as part of the big shipment to various companies through the DSC. This one went to Wack Manufacturing...

Never mind the gun, this letter is the interesting part

It contains more information that usual. All DSC letters I’ve seen so far either show shipment to the DSC warehouse in DC (early 1942) with no mention of the end user, or directly to the end user on a DSC contract, but with no mention of direct DSC involvement (from later 1942 to 1945).

I think your letter represents that confused time in spring 1942 when the DSC was transitioning from its initial plan, to actual handle the physical distribution of the revolvers, to just approving factory-direct shipments. So the S&W records show it as both sold to the DSC, but no longer shipped there, but directly to Wack (and other approved users).

Another oddity about this letter are the “checkered walnut” grips and “blue finish”. By May 15, DSC Victorys had been receiving the smooth style stocks and utility finish for at least four months. I’ve got 910507 from Jan. 27, DSC-shipped and lettered with smooth walnut stocks.

 

[lkabug]

Second.....S/N 288699, 6 inch, barrel marked 38 S&W, left side frame stamped. 38 special. U S property marked on top strap, without P stamp.
The number 81 stamped on bottom on left side gri.p