Let's see your Victory Models!

PALADIN85020 · #1 05-18-2010, 05:51 PM

Here is one of three I've had over the years. It's a rework from the postwar years, probably for use in Vietnam. Serial number SV827XX, shipped in August, 1942. U.S. Navy issue, by the stamp on the top strap.

bullmack · #2 05-18-2010, 06:06 PM

S/N V3075XX. Shipped 7/15/43 to US Navy, Oakland, CA.

diamonback68 · #3 05-18-2010, 06:16 PM

Here's mine from May 1943 in .38SPL (not converted) and 98% condition. Enjoy!

m-1911 · #4 05-18-2010, 07:47 PM

Here is an early Navy with the Navy markings on the left side of the frame

pace40 · #5 05-18-2010, 07:59 PM

Here ya go.......how about a pre and a post.

This is a post war "civilian victory" shipped March 1946

Next... a USDSC contract shipped April 1942

hsguy · #6 05-18-2010, 09:02 PM

Here are a few I have photos of, will have to take pictures of the others.

New Zealand Victory

Alcoa Defense Contractor Victory

Navy Marked Victory

US Maritime Commission Pre-Victory

Canadian Pre-Victory

kwill1911 · #7 05-19-2010, 08:15 AM

ENGINE18 · #8 05-19-2010, 10:08 AM

I've been thinking about aquiring a Victory or post-war 1949 (my DOB). Now they're on my list. Nice examples of S&W history!

kikokat · #9 05-19-2010, 10:52 PM

Love that snubby, Kwill. Just found a Colt Commando 2", but still looking for a Victory.
Here are my 2 Victorys. USNavy marked on left, shipped 8/4/42 to USNavy Oakland, CA. USProperty marked on right, shipped to USNavy in Norfolk 3/19/43. I really like these, and they both shoot great!
Last pic is of the Victorys with their cousins, the Colt Commandos.

j38 · #10 05-19-2010, 11:32 PM

Here's another - shipped to the US Navy in Norfolk, VA.

Jerry

And this one went to the US Navy in Oakland, CA.

victorylarry · #11 05-22-2010, 11:33 AM

hsguy · #12 05-22-2010, 03:47 PM

Kwill and victorylarry, I noticed both of your 2" guns have the small post-war style ejector rods perhaps to allow the rod sufficient room to be depressed to clear the empties? Was this a feature of these guns? Thanks, John

Retired W4 · #13 01-17-2011, 02:43 PM

This is an Australian FTR, MA 54, that I acquired during the mid 90's in the DFW area. It is a V serial number (not S or VS). They really took good care of this one coming out of FTR. It even came with the little pamphlet that gave the user the basic information needed for operation. Not an operator's manual, but an info sheet on the gun, and it's basic usage and history.

Art Doc · #14 01-17-2011, 03:02 PM

This one is also marked for a German PD.

ladder13 · #15 01-17-2011, 03:08 PM

I bought this a couple years ago, my only one. I saw some at a weekend gunshow, 5 or 6 actually, all priced in the stratosphere.

Wyo · #16 05-19-2010, 05:18 PM

Here is one of mine. Navy-marked, early 1943:

robbt · #17 01-22-2011, 05:36 PM

hi guys , heres mine with a US navy / Marine Aviator Shoulder Holster and box of Military issue ammo .

bmcgilvray · #18 05-19-2010, 10:41 PM

Here's mine with its old World War II army buddy Colt Commando.

kwill1911 · #19 05-19-2010, 10:46 PM

aterry33 · #20 05-27-2010, 07:33 PM

1) I thought the Navy models were generally marked on the top? m1911's has the marking on the side... I haven't seen that before.

2) How much of a premium do the Navy marked ones generally fetch?

cmj8591 · #21 05-27-2010, 07:42 PM

Run of the mill "US Property GHD"

.357 man · #22 05-27-2010, 07:56 PM

Thanks for the Welcome. I think each set of collectable guns has a certain lingo to describe features etc. I am more a winchester guy and if I said "Well my 94 has the rocky mountain and full buckhorn but it is a flat band and just doesn't look right. I think a SRC would look better with these but really a ladder is what that needs" collectors of 1894 model winchesters would understand but maybe not everyone in the gun trade.
Speaking of that kind of stuff don't you just cringe when a person says " I have a hex barrel rifle"? I usually say I would like to see it as I have never seen one. Still haven't. Mike

hsguy · #23 05-27-2010, 08:31 PM

Mike, as to "Cokes" take a look at this thread.
Coke Grip info needed

.357 man · #24 05-28-2010, 01:28 PM

I read all that information and still don't see it. What I mean by that is the grips don't look like a coke bottle to me. Is it suppossed to be a back view, a side view or maybe just the grips off the frame. Maybe it stands for how the checkered panels are shaped. Anyway I still don't see the "coke". Maybe I don't have a good imaginition. Mike

gerald mcdonald · #25 05-28-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .357 man

I read all that information and still don't see it. What I mean by that is the grips don't look like a coke bottle to me. Is it suppossed to be a back view, a side view or maybe just the grips off the frame. Maybe it stands for how the checkered panels are shaped. Anyway I still don't see the "coke". Maybe I don't have a good imaginition. Mike

Stay away from impressionist art. LOL When looked at from the back strap they are wider in the middle than slightly above the top and bottom. Similar but less obvious than a coke bottle.

scha · #26 05-28-2010, 02:49 PM

I think the "coke bottle" reference is when viewing the grips from the rear. These grips flare out in the middle and then taper down toward the bottom of the grip. Like a Coke Bottle, they are slightly fatter in the middle. Standard grips lack the flare in the middle section.

Hope this helps.

Steve

smithman 10 · #27 05-28-2010, 04:25 PM

Nothing special. No Navy markings, no U.S. Property - but it's the only one I've got - think I'll keep it.

David LaPell · #28 05-29-2010, 07:17 PM

This is kind of a pre-Victory (no V or S in the serial prefix). I recently sold it to a friend, but I am getting it back soon I hope. I liked shooting the old .38 S & W.

Cyrano · #29 06-01-2010, 12:46 AM

German cops like autos; they used to like 32ACPs. When they could get autos after the war, they surplussed their Bavarian Municipal Police revolvers. I've seen several of them; wish I could find one for myself.

RobertJ. · #30 06-07-2010, 03:47 AM

[IMG]

Okay, I'm pretty pleased with my new purchase. (I paid $275) I thought I'd better add my photos to this thread. I still haven't had the grip panels examined by an expert, but I'm pretty certain they're ivory. Any comments would be appreciated!

LOBO · #31 06-07-2010, 11:00 AM

^ Wow!!!!!

Hamden · #32 06-09-2010, 03:33 AM

South Africa gun shipped May 3, 1940

H Richard · #33 06-09-2010, 10:20 AM

Pre-Victory 5" Australian return in 38 S&W.

jaegan · #34 06-09-2010, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertJ.

Okay, I'm pretty pleased with my new purchase. (I paid $275) I thought I'd better add my photos to this thread. I still haven't had the grip panels examined by an expert, but I'm pretty certain they're ivory. Any comments would be appreciated!

I'm no expert, but I agree, looks like ivory. Which makes that a heck of a deal in my opinion. Nice find.

RobertJ. · #35 06-09-2010, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaegan

I'm no expert, but I agree, looks like ivory. Which makes that a heck of a deal in my opinion. Nice find.

Hey, thank you. I had our local dealer look at the grip panels yesterday, and he verified that they are in fact ivory. He tested one by heating up a small piece of steel to a glowing red, then touching the back of the panel. It didn't melt, and it smelled like burning hair. Certainly one of my best finds!

tekarra · #36 06-07-2010, 08:26 PM

It is different alright. Will have to think about its appeal though.

TAROMAN · #37 07-01-2010, 06:48 PM

5" New Zealand issued .38S&W. I have always wondered about the stocks, though I've seen a few Commonwealth Victorys with commercial stocks, many have the smooth ones.

hunterdeneugene · #38 07-01-2010, 08:34 PM

here's mine....actually pre-Victory. SN 997XXX:

Casehardn · #39 01-17-2011, 03:43 PM

Here's my one and only (for now)...

All original, including the lanyard.
I wish I had the stories to go with her.

The previous owner's wife had wrapped the lanyard around the gun and stored it in their damp cellar. Oh, well.

popgun · #40 01-18-2011, 12:00 AM

Here are my two.
popgun

TAROMAN · #41 01-18-2011, 02:45 AM

New Zealand marked. #V87030, so I guess that makes it a "Victory" Lend-Lease one.

Wyo · #42 01-18-2011, 11:40 AM

US Navy Victory, probably early 1943:

m-1911 · #43 01-18-2011, 11:55 AM

Serial number 960453, US Navy, Mare Island, CA or Puget Sound, or Naval Supply Depot, Norfolk

blushirt23 · #44 01-18-2011, 06:46 PM

Navy marked Victory.

blushirt23 · #45 01-18-2011, 06:49 PM

My other Victory.

ladder13 · #46 01-18-2011, 06:57 PM

My factory letter states that mine was shipped to the Navy even though it's not marked as such. Question...were all Victories shipped to the Navy?

hsguy · #47 01-18-2011, 07:35 PM

Not all of them went to the Navy. The 38 SW guns went to the Allies and many of the 38 Spl. guns went to interesting places such as civilian defense plants, Police Depts., even the odd one to the OSS. Perhaps Charlie or Ed will see this thread and give us better insight.

DAVEB47 · #48 01-22-2011, 12:28 PM

Here's my Victory with a picture of the HE-M stamp and a picture with a friend.

BearBio · #49 01-31-2011, 02:29 AM

Here's mine with a 1917 Colt and a 1917 S & W, This is marked Bavarian Rural Police and is 38 S & W.

LOBO · #50 01-31-2011, 03:12 AM

Nice group!!