Did all Smith .38 revolvers have smooth grips that were sent out as part of the WWII Lend Lease programs? Would a set of checkered and silver emblemed grips be correct or something aftermarket.

It depends upon when the gun was shipped from the factory. As a general rule Lend Lease guns with the V serial prefix would typically have shipped with smooth walnut stocks. The earliest, pre-Victory Lend Lease guns were shipped with checkered walnut service stocks with silver medallions. Beginning in the mid 900000 range +/- there was a shift from the checkered stocks to the less expensive but just as functional smooth walnut stocks.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

All the pre-1942 revolver grips were of the standard civilian style, wood with the silver medallion and were checkered. Later they were plain smooth wood. And they were used for both L-L and non L-L guns.

The top two are Victory model in 38 Special. That both shipped in 1942. The top one was shipped to the U.S. Navy and the one below that to the U.S. Maritime Commission.

The bottom pistol is a Lend Lease revolver shipped in 1944. The one above that is a British Service Revolver (pre-Lend Lease) that shipped in 1941. Note the checkered grips with silver medallions on the BSR pistol.

Thanks everyone!