I picked up a Victory revolver in 38 S&W and was wanting to ask about the marking on the backstrap. To me it looks like AKD 5 61. Any idea what this is? The US Property has been worn off the top and it appears that the cylinder, sideplate and grips have been replaced. The grips on it have the S&W medallion and have a 143 and a symbol on the bottom. There are no markings near the MADE IN U.S.A. There is a 2 on the side of the trigger. The serial number is V 7077**. Thanks for any help you can provide.

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Lend Lease revolvers were usually stamped with London or Birmingham stamps on the frame and barrel. The stamp on the backstrap is likely a unit ID and the number on the stock could be a rack number.

I have a recollection the marks may be Middle Eastern/Israeli in origin.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Did the Israeli's use Victory's? I know they used the Webley M IV .38/200 pistol up into the late 1980's. It stands to reason they would have had Victory's in the same caliber especially right after the 1948 UN Charter and the UK was there as were probably many of their firearms.

The markings on the top backstrap do look Hebrew.

ETA: I found an older thread on here where Israeli Victory Models were discussed. I didn't see this marking in the thread though. Maybe Charlie Flick has a clue about it?

I appreciate the responses. Hopefully someone that knows more about the possibility of this being Israeli used will chime in. Does anyone know when it was made? I would guess 1944, but I can't find anything specific. Thanks.

There should be two digits on the top rear of the barrel giving the year of proof. For example '43 for 1943.

Peter

Based on my observations and serial range, I am going to say late 1945 to early 1946 on the date...That is a late number on your gun.

There are a few things you may want to take pics of and post and also a few questions... Obviously, the butt swivel is gone. Is the hole plugged? There probably needs to be better overall pics of the gun with the stocks off from all sides.

I will get better pics posted tonight. The swivel is still attached to the gun. The grip picture is of just the grips after I took them off.

More pictures

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Schemist:

I don't think your Victory has ever been to Israel. Rather, I think it is probable that it was a Lend Lease gun that ended up on or near the Indian subcontinent. It spent some time in either the Indian Army or the Pakistani Army. The * symbol on the left side of the frame where it meets the barrel is associated with revolvers that have so served, although most of those have barrels that are marked R.F.I. with a date indicating a rebuild. (In that case it would be Rifle Factory Ishapore.) I don't see any such marks on your barrel.

The knuckle at the back of the frame above the back strap bears markings that are usually associated with British and Commonwealth unit markings. I read them as K.K.D. I have not seen that particular marking before but am informed that it has been associated with the Kirkee Arsenal in India. Another less likely possibility for K.K.D. has to do with the Royal Navy Air Station once located at Katukurunda in Sri Lanka during WW2.

I am happy to give you an estimated ship date from the factory but can't work with incomplete serials. If you can give me a complete serial I can give you a very good estimate.

Hope that helps you.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Thank you very much for the information. I would like to know whatever shipping info you have. The complete serial number is V 707787.

Hello Schemist:

You are welcome.

From the S&WCA's Victory Model Database I can tell you that your revolver V707787 likely shipped from the factory in October, 1944. It almost certainly shipped to the Hartford Ordnance District in Springfield, Mass. which was the initial destination for all of the Lend Lease S&Ws. Where it went after that can't be determined except by interpreting the markings and other evidence on your revolver.

I hope that further bit of information is helpful to you.

Regards,
Charlie

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215