I inadvertently posted this under the M&P forum. Old guys do stuff like that. When I see M&P I think of only one S&W.

I've been told that there is a very knowledgable collector here. I just bought a very nice (appears un-Fired ?) S&W Victory Model .38 Special. In searching for some information I found an informational site that stated the "U.S. Property" mark is found under the barrel up to SN V 300,000, also "GHD" inspector Guy H Drewry will be found on the butt, up until V 300,000. After V 300,000 "U.S. Property GHD" will be found on the left top strap. Is this valid?

The SN on mine is V 289,364. The "U.S.Property GHD" is on the left top strap. Do I have an oddity or is this information out dated?

Thanks...

Ron

Attached Images

	112_1100.jpg (77.7 KB, 63 views)
	112_1101.jpg (73.9 KB, 56 views)
	112_1102.jpg (39.4 KB, 61 views)
	112_1104.jpg (35.2 KB, 63 views)

D B:

Glad to see you did make it off the airplane .

I am not the VM expert (there are two Forum members who maintain a database and do know a lot), but what I can say is the information you quoted has the sound of an approximation. Your gun looks appropriate to its SN.

Also, guns stamped "United States Property" on the left top strap were Lend-Lease .38 S & W revolvers the US sent to the British; the model 1917 .45 revolvers of WW I had this stamped on the bottom of the barrel, but I do not recall this being on the barrel of any VM I have seen. Hope this is helpful.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

This one isn't a lend-lease. It is chambered for .38 Special and is so marked on the barrel.

Thanks...

The informational site" you found is incorrect. Your gun is correct. Nothing odd about it. Nice gun. Ed.

Ed,

Thanks...

Ron

Not necessarily.
I have a Victory with the ordnance mark, U.S. Property and Guy Drewry's initials on the top strap. It is chambered for the .38 Special, letters to August 9, 1943 and was shipped to the Navy Yard in Oakland.

Very nice looking Victory, D.B.

Jack

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

My issue Victory Model was the same , only with the Navy marking on the butt.

I think the ones that "only" had "United States Property" on the top strap were the export guns. I agree "U.S. Property G.H.D." was on many of the .38 Specials. I could be wrong, however, my wife tells me I am all the time .

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220