Looking at a Victory Model, around 80% condition, marked on top strap U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D. and already lettered by Roy that it shipped to the Navy in 1944.

What would the ballpark value be?

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High Caliber History

Well, what cash value has the seller put on it. You are not giving us enough info to make an accurate evaluation.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Seller is asking $600. s/n range is V600xxx. Everything in the photos matches Roy's letter. That's all I've got.

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High Caliber History

The Navy models do command a premium, specifically if they have a US NAVY stamp on it. From what I've seen, a regular US PROPERTY GHD stamped gun will go for roughly $400 in 80% condition. Without the US NAVY stamp, I'd try to start around $350 as my starting offer and work from there. With the US NAVY stamp, I'd start around $475-$500 and work from there. Good luck!

Most U. S. Military Victories (.38 Special) went to the U. S. Navy, so that is in no way a value enhancement UNLESS the U. S. NAVY property stamping is on the topstrap. That stopped in early 1943, at approximately SN 267000. Value depends greatly on condition and originality. I know neither, but I would say that paying anything more than about $450 is going to be risky. $600 should buy one in higher condition than 80%.

I aint blowing smoke up your pant leg, but $600 is out of the realm of reality. I would say $325 tops. If you want it, go higher. But stop at $385.
I have no vested interest here. $400 tops if it is yelling at you. I know how it is.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

I have seen Victories in %90 or better condition go for $500 or more. If it has the Navy marking add $100.

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Tom
NRA Pistol Inst

Judging based on a percentage rating without pictures is iffy. Most important is that it is unmodified, not refinished, lanyard swivel present, and the serial numbers matching in the following five places: butt, one or both grip panels, cylinder face, back of extractor star, and barrel flat.

If all that is confirmed, a Victory in .38 Special and very good finish condition will go for $450 to 500 at most. Deduct based on how you define 80%. Since the letter does not contribute anything unusual, that should not factor in (although admittedly, I've occasionally talked myself into bidding higher on some guns that came with a letter if I knew I'd have lettered them if they didn't ). The premium for Navy guns only applies to guns so marked; this one apparently isn't.

Thanks for all the input. I think I'll keep looking ...

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High Caliber History