Hello All,

I just purchased this Pre-Victory S&W .38 Special SN: 972807. It has no import stamps or other marks. Does anyone know when it was made and where it might have been sent. Contemplating on getting a letter, but it would be nice to know if it is worth the $50.00. Also, I wonder if it was sent out with these style grips, or the standard no frills Victory grips. Any help in this matter would be deeply appreciated.

Regards,
Mark Stonbraker

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I have 965xxx and it was shipped in May 1942. I would pull the right grip and see if it is numbered. But I think that it should have smooth VM grips. The top strap looks like the USP markings may have been removed

__________________
Gary Grace
S&WCA #1837

Based on information in the database maintained by my friend, ordnanceguy, and me, your serial number is in the range of those shipped April-May, 1942. It is known that the change from the more costly prewar style of stocks (checkered with silver S&W medallions) was mandated on 1 January, 1942; it is generally believed that the supply of those prewar stocks was exhausted by February. Is it *possible* a lone pair surfaced 2-3 months later? As has been suggested, check under the right stock panel for a matching SN and post back again. If it *is* a matching SN, it will be the highest SN in the database with matching-numbered checkered stocks.

Gary: Would it be possible for you to send me the full SN and shipping date of your revolver for inclusion in the database? TIA!

Steve

Apart from the grips, why do you think it's a pre-Victory? Some grips on hand may have been used on early Victory Models. These grips were on the British .38-200 guns prior to April, 1942. Those guns originally had blue, not Midnight Black finishes. After April of '42, both the British and US guns were given smooth grips and that dull gray finish.

This barrel is marked .38 Special, so this is a US gun. Short of getting a factory letter, you'll probably never know to whom it was first shipped. But it does look like a nice example of the breed.

I think many consider guns made prior to the "V" in the serial number as being "Pre-Victory" models. There were both 38 Special and 38 S&W revolvers that preceded the use of the "V" serial numbers that were virtually identical to the later "Victory" models.

Hope this helps.

Steve

Mark, Welcome to the Forum. I'm comfortable with the "pre-Victory" classification for your gun. It has the S&W Sand Blast Blue finish, lanyard swivel and no US marks. Chances are its a "Guard Gun" as some close serial numbers were shipped to various war plants in April 1942. If it were my gun, I would get a factory letter for it, as some of these civilian guns letter to very interesting destinations. As said above, check the number on the right grip backside to see if it matches the gun's serial number. Odds are it won't, but until you do, who knows! Ed.