I have been around but am new to this area of the SW collecting so here goes. I picked up a SW this weekend that I think was miss isdentified as a Victory and because of that had a set of smooth Victory grips with non matching serial number. Not good with photos so will provide a description for now.

5 inch barrel, K frame, chambered for 38 S&W. Serial number 912411 on butt under barrel at Ejector rod back of cylinder and under star. Also added in a differant stamp size/font to back strap.

Barrel marked Smith & Wesson Left side , 38 S&W Cartridge right side.

Frame markings nothing on left side , right side S&W logo, single line "Made in USA". Top strap "United States Property". Back strap as desribed added serial number, backstrap at top below hump "N. Z." Left leg of N and top bar of Z very faint N slightly higher than Z, "3534" below NZ. Butt markings aft of lanyard ring serial number, forward of ring "WB" ordanence bomb, then "P".
I did manage to also pick up set several stes of period grips one of which is a pair of round top medallions which may be correct style for this one.

All info appreciatted.
BN

I believe service grips (round tops) with silver medallions would be correct for your revolver.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Thank you, I have them installed and the smooth victory grips are in the parts bin. By the way victory grips are serial numbered 572005 if anyone needs to reunite the original frame and grips.

Sounds like a Lend Lease British Service Revolver that saw use with New Zealand Armed Forces in WW2. The "NZ" markings on the back strap are almost certainly New Zealand.

After serial number 100000, (one million, hope I got enough zero's) the serial number prefix became a "V", the Victory Models began.

I have a New Zealand marked Victory Model with "NZ 7609" on the back strap.

Were your smooth Victory grips heavily stained with a dark substance, maybe cosmoline? Seems common with surplus New Zealand revolvers...

I agree with canoeguy, a New Zealand gun. Here are a couple of photos of one I aquired recently, also with oily grips. Quite a few of these guns were imported by Navy Arms and you may find their stamp on the bottom of the barrel in very small letters.

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John. SWCA #1586

Canoeguy…”Were your smooth Victory grips heavily stained with a dark substance, maybe cosmoline? Seems common with surplus New Zealand revolvers...”

No, they are beat up but close to original finish I think. As I noted are not serialed to the gun. As Muley Gil said I think the gun originally shipped with flat top medallions.

Hsguy..” I agree with canoeguy, a New Zealand gun. Here are a couple of photos of one I aquired recently, also with oily grips. Quite a few of these guns were imported by Navy Arms and you may find their stamp on the bottom of the barrel in very small letters.”

Good catch, I noticed some light stippling under the barrel and under magnification I can make out a partial “Ridgeway NJ” which I believe was Navy Arms address at one time. Someone tried to obscure it

BN