For sale is one of the 8000 Victory models supplied to the Australian armed forces under the Lend-Lease program. This example retains the original .38 S&W chambering; a .38 Special case will not fit. It appears not to have been fired since it's 1955 FTR (FTR= Factory Thorough Reconditioning) at the Lithgow arsenal.
Serial # V112267 along with W.B./Ordnance bomb stamped on butt denotes manufacture during the 1st half of 1942. S/N's match on frame, barrel, and cylinder, but not grip panels.
"United States Property" stamped on topstrap, D^D along with
FTR/MA 55 and Lithgow inspectors mark on right forward portion of frame around the "Made in U.S.A." legend. Notable is the fact that the added Aussie nomenclature shows bright metal inside the stamps, indicating that this stamping was done after final finish was applied. Trigger, hammer, and lanyard ring show original case colors.
It has always been assumed that these revolvers were rephosphated during FTR, but due to the above I'm not so sure on this example. The color and texture is virtually identical to USN #V16,xxx in my collection.
Very small import mark (Vega Sac Ca) on LH frame under cylinder; bright shiny bore and chambers.
Overall, a very attractive Commonwealth Lend-Lease Victory. The only deficits in the finish are a small scuff on each side of the barrel. Compared with the British examples, which are covered with various postwar proofs and often display signs of the MOD's
"dump 'em in a crate" shipping methods, it's pretty pristine.
I'm asking $475, plus $20 shipping. I can send on a C&R or an FFL; if you use another's FFL, make sure that he'll accept from a non-FFL holder.
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SOLD: Aussie Victory model, .38 S&W
Linear Mode
