Victory data base
- Thread starter zonker5
- Start date
ordnanceguy
Member
Hi Jonny:
Without a complete serial number one cannot tell if your incoming Victory is in the Database or not. When you get all of the pertinent particulars please let us know and we can then check the DB for you for a ship date estimate.
Regards,
Charlie
ordnanceguy
Member
Johnny:
The serial you provided is consistent with a 4 inch .38 Special Victory that likely shipped in the June-August, 1942 time frame. That serial is not in the Database yet.
When you receive your Victory please post back here with the further details including any post-factory markings or mods and whether there is an Ordnance bomb mark on the butt.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Charlie
The serial you provided is consistent with a 4 inch .38 Special Victory that likely shipped in the June-August, 1942 time frame. That serial is not in the Database yet.
When you receive your Victory please post back here with the further details including any post-factory markings or mods and whether there is an Ordnance bomb mark on the butt.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Charlie
Victory model info
Just acquired a Victory model serial V417250. Any info would be appreciated. Also, the story I got with it was, it was bought as surplus after war to a police dept where it sat in the Armory for many years until they recently cleaned it out a few months back. It was blued I assume and standard grips put on. It is in unbelievable condition as far as function.
Just acquired a Victory model serial V417250. Any info would be appreciated. Also, the story I got with it was, it was bought as surplus after war to a police dept where it sat in the Armory for many years until they recently cleaned it out a few months back. It was blued I assume and standard grips put on. It is in unbelievable condition as far as function.
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OFT II
US Veteran
It appears to have had the barrel replaced at some point in time.
Glynn863
Member
I posted a picture of mine back in July, but didn't realize that a full S/N was required.
I recently acquired S/N SV775003, so I'd appreciate whatever information is available.
Thanks.
I recently acquired S/N SV775003, so I'd appreciate whatever information is available.
Thanks.
OFT II
US Veteran
The front sight appears to be the tapered type sight that came out around 1950. I wonder if the barrel has a serial number on it.
Thats interesting because all numbers match. The serial number under the barrel is matching to the one on the butt and cylinder. So that tells me maybe someone filed the front sight blade down maybe? Thats the only thing I could think of.
My grandfather did that to his, now mine, 38 Special pre model 10 made in 1909. He filed it down so slightly to better fit his eyes.
My grandfather did that to his, now mine, 38 Special pre model 10 made in 1909. He filed it down so slightly to better fit his eyes.
ordnanceguy
Member
Jarbo:
S&W does not issue the letters any longer. That function is now ably performed by the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. Follow this link for info on how to secure a "factory letter" from the S&WHF:
Letter Process - Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
Regards,
Charlie
ordnanceguy
Member
Jarbo:
Your Victory was likely shipped from the factory in the September, 1943 time frame.
As you noted, it has been refinished to blue from its original Black Magic finish. The lanyard ring has gone missing. The original smooth walnut stocks have been replaced with post-1968 Magna stocks.
If you decide to get a factory letter I hope that you will post back here with the pertinent information once it has been received as that helps us to refine the Database.
I hope that information helps you.
Regards,
Charlie
ordnanceguy
Member
Hello Glynn:
Your nice Victory likely shipped from the factory in the January, 1945 time frame.
Does it have ð U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D marked on the left top strap? Disclosure of the complete serial number and the pertinent markings helps me to more accurately help you.
Hope that does help you.
Regards,
Charlie
Glynn863
Member
Yes, it has the US PROPERTY GHD on the top left strap. There is also a "P" on the left side up near the hammer, an "S" on the side plate on the right side. Patents dates on top of the barrel, "Smith & Wesson" on the left side of the barrel, "38 S&W Special Ctg" on the right side of the barrel, S/N on underside of the barrel and back of the cylinder, as well as the butt. Crane and frame numbers match. "Made in USA" also on the frame, as well as S&W crest. I haven't removed the stocks, but they match the frame contour perfectly, so I assume they're original. Thanks.
OK, it has arrived!
An all matching 4 inch, with non-matching smooth grips. The serial (V12043) appears on the butt, back of the cylinder, and barrel bottom. The assembly numbers on the frame and crane match each other. The finish is thin but appears original.
Left side of the barrel has SMITH & WESSON, the barrel top has the standard patent info, and the right side says 38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG. The S&W trademark and MADE IN U.S.A. appear on the right side.
That's it, no other markings or proofs.
Any info appreciated.
An all matching 4 inch, with non-matching smooth grips. The serial (V12043) appears on the butt, back of the cylinder, and barrel bottom. The assembly numbers on the frame and crane match each other. The finish is thin but appears original.
Left side of the barrel has SMITH & WESSON, the barrel top has the standard patent info, and the right side says 38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG. The S&W trademark and MADE IN U.S.A. appear on the right side.
That's it, no other markings or proofs.
Any info appreciated.
AJ
US Veteran
Pictures of the new acquisition?
