I'm looking at a S&W Victory Model 38 special, made in 1942-1945 with serial V648XXX, with a "P" on the left side of the frame in back of the cylinder and a flaming bomb next to the V on the butt of the gun. There is no government marks, and no "S" for the hammer internal safety rework. I can't find anything in the S&W Standard Catalog that states a flaming bomb proof mark or a "P" on the frame. The gun is parkerized. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Both the flaming bomb and the P are standard proof marks. If they were NOT present on a gun with that serial number (likely from summer 1944, unless not, but only a letter could tell you), that would be odd. Both markings are found on all Victory models of that period regardless of whether they were U.S.PROPERTY marked and shipped to the military or, like this one, DSC or Maritime Commission guns.

It's too early for the S. Or too late. The hammer block was not added until the turn of 1944/45, and as far as we know, only a limited number of Navy guns of relatively early manufacture were retro-fitted and got the extra S stamp. No civilian-shipped guns were modified as far as I know.

So all is well with this gun's markings.

Many thanks for this information. It was a great help.

Interesting. Pardon for jumping in here but I just acquired what I believe to be an early Victory model (V2118xx Sn, 5 screw, lanyard ring,no hammer block, 38 spl. Picked it up yesterday so no pics yet. ) It has neither of these markings that I can see. Beyond the serial number , "Made in the USA" and the S&W stamp on the side plate, the frame has no other visible proof marking at all. ( Actually,there is a part/assembly# and the letter C stamped under the crane.) I believe this one was refinished but it doesn't to appear to have been over polished. I'm guessing this was one that was made for civilian sales? Should I be seeing something else?

p.s. Something about this old girl just makes it fell sweet in the hand!. Can't wait to shoot it!

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Dave

Does yours have a U. S. NAVY stamp on the topstrap - or is it bare? In that SN range, there would be no P stamp on a Navy contract Victory. Yours would likely have shipped in early (probably January) 1943, and is in the Navy contract SN range. For non-Navy contract guns, the "P" proof mark was stamped on the butt frame until May 1943 when it changed to the upper left frame, back of cylinder, and underside of the barrel. If yours was in fact re-finished, many of the stampings could have been polished off. Those on the topstrap were often lightly struck, and easily removed.

That is great info Cowboy. Thanks for the link. I have it in a document now. I do plan on getting it.

There is no Navy Stamp on the top strap that I can see. ( I'll go re-inspect with a magnifier just to be sure.) Too bad, I'm getting ready to retire after 31 years working for the Navy. It would have been a fitting retirement gift to myself. In any case, it's a keeper. Thanks for the date and additional info.

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Dave

I thought I would post the Victory model I bought. I know it took a while but I'm busy buying S&W revolvers. This Victory model is very clean and like new. Original finish. Grips are numbered to another gun.

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Had to show you the proof marks.

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What a beauty!

Hi,
I know this is an old thread, but thought I would try. I picked up a Victory .38 Special with a serial number beginning with V442***. Other than the patents, maker, and serial numbers, there are no proof (“p”) marks, US ownership marks, etc. Truly a pretty bare gun - could this be an OSS gun? I sent away for an S&W letter, but not yet received. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

Are you sure it is not refinished? Are there any markings on the butt?

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

I have a "naked" Victory in 38 S&W that shipped in Oct 1942, no marks other than the serial numbers, never did letter it.


You should know when yours arrives. Fun guns!

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When words fail, music speaks.

My 4" Victory SN: 442310, also has no "P" or other markings from the US - only what was applied at the factory, sans proofs, Navy or US property marks, etc. I have read that it might be one that should have a "P" on the left of the frame behind the cylinder and under the barrel - it could have been polished off of the frame, but there is no "P" under the barrel either (was it both or nothing, or either a "P" appeared in one place on the other?). The way I read it, is the "P" would be in both of those places - what does it mean that there is no "P" at all? Any information would be appreciated. I did letter this gun, but am waiting to receive it (Colt takes a while to turn around letters, so not holding my breadth for S&W). I'd love to learn that it was sent to USN, Roslyn, as I could then imagine that it may be an OSS gun, and likely had few if any marks ever.

The OSS guns had standard markings but a slight variation on the butt. So, again, what markings, if any, are on the butt? The vast majority of guns without USP or USN markings were supplied by the DSC to domestic plants and LEOs.

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

IMG_4747.jpg
Any idea about these markings ?

B for “Berlin” and A for “Amerikanischer Sektor”. The Z is for Zehlendorf.

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

Im un-educated on the original factory finish of these guns.
Were they blued or a frosted green color? I know that nickel ones are few and far between. But what color, texture finish is original?

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Black Magic blue over sand-blasted finish.

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

Thanks a lot.