Pre victory 38 special

nwhunter · #1 01-22-2012, 07:40 PM

I have what I think is a pre victory s&w.
Serial number is 992624 and is matching on frame, barrel and ejector.
Marked united states property on top.
Has weakly stamped wb and flaming bomb on butt.
Caliber is 38 special and does not seem to be re chambered.
Condition is very good but I believe pistol has been reparkerized.
Does not have lanyard stud but does have hole for this.
Currently has rubber grips.
Any idea as to date of manufacture?
Thanks, Keith

Waidmann · #2 01-23-2012, 10:00 AM

Hi NWH and welcome! What you have is more like a Victory before the V, early 1942. While nothing is impossible with WWII era S&Ws, is your barrel marked "Special"? Or, is it .38 S&W Ctgs (only)? Most 5 inchers were British/Commonwealth.

A view of the butt and the condition of the WB and Ordnance bomb seem to confirm your refinish suspicions.

Your gun is obviously in the Victory family. U.S. Property, not Defense Supplies Corporation. There are few absolutes in this era.

Let us know how the barrel is marked and I think we can say grace over your revolver.

BTW some careful shopping on Gunbroker and I'll bet you could get a set of plowhandle grips and a buttswivel/pin for $50 or so.

Regards, Waidmann

opoefc · #3 01-23-2012, 03:08 PM

Most of the guns in this serial number range were shipped in June 1942. Ed

hsguy · #4 01-23-2012, 07:03 PM

Welcome to the forum. I have s/n 997546 that shipped May 25, 1942 to the United States Maritime Commission, Hoboken N.J. Hope this narrows it down.

Goony · #5 01-23-2012, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hsguy

I have s/n 997546 that shipped May 25, 1942 to the United States Maritime Commission, Hoboken N.J.

4" barrel and .38 Special?

nwhunter · #6 01-23-2012, 11:32 PM

The barrel on this Smith has the 38 with an S, but no more, I guess they polished of the balance when it was reparkerized.

Waidmann · #7 01-24-2012, 01:02 PM

NWH, three things you can do: see if it will chamber a .38 S&W; try putting a .357/.38 Special cartridge in the muzzle and see if it sinks to the case; or, slug the bore, (.357 vs. .361)

1blindref · #8 01-24-2012, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hsguy

Welcome to the forum. I have s/n 997546 that shipped May 25, 1942 to the United States Maritime Commission, Hoboken N.J. Hope this narrows it down.

Interesting.

Here is mine #994150 shipped the same day to the other coast.

Jim Welsh · #9 01-26-2012, 02:43 PM

Here are some photos of what I've been told is a pre victory .38. I inherited this piece several years ago. The ser. number is 999013, all matching. It has a 5" barrel and has not been modified to chamber a .38 special.The gun seems to be in pretty good condition but is missing the lanyard ring. http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d1...Pre%20Victory/

Jim Welsh · #10 01-26-2012, 02:44 PM

Pre Victory pictures by piccoracer - Photobucket

nwhunter · #11 02-18-2012, 01:49 PM

Ok guys, I have put on period correct grips and laynerd, looks much better(to me) Keith