.38 s&w

[skiingbear]

SN 52????.. pat. dates 9/14/09 to 12/29/14, stamped on top strap Flamming shell, and the following U. S. Property G.H.B. I believe this revolver was carried during WW 2. Any iformation would be appreciated

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Pictures would help, if it's in 38 S&W it must be one of the British production M&Ps.

 

[opoefc]

Ron, I believe there should be a "V" before that serial number, which would indicate the gun is a Victory Model. Check the butt of the gun for a "V' stamp. That's part of the serial number. 500K range is too low for a Pre-Victory gun and it would not have a GHD inspector stamp ( Guy H. Drury) if it was a pre-WW@ Pre-Victory Model British purchased gun. Is the barrel a 4 inch or a 5 inch? Ed.

 

[Art Doc]

I'm not an expert but I think the serial is incorrect. Is there a letter V prefix?

Otherwise it sounds like a "Victory Model" made for great Britain in WWII. If the gun hasn't been butchered up (unfortunately many were modified after the war) it probably looks something like this one.

Standard configuration for the British VMs included 5" barrel, 38 S&W caliber (not 38 Special), a dull military finish, smooth stocks and a lanyard ring on the butt.

 

[skiingbear]

I am sorry but you folks are right. There is a V in fornt of the lanyard ring. I did not see that. It is exactly like the photo. With 5" barrel but I do think, it has been reblued. That is remarkable, that you can find the name of the inspector from initials. If it was made for Great Briton, why is it stamped U.S Property. could that be from the lend lease deal?

 

[scha]

Yes, the lend lease guns are all marked "US Property GHD" or "United States Property". These were provided to many different countries but the majority went to the British and these were is 38 S&W caliber rather than in 38 Special.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[DCWilson]

Yes, lend/lease. I have V524251, another commonwealth delivery which shipped in January 1944. Yours probably shipped about then too.

Mine had the chambers lengthened to accept .38 Special, but I shoot just .38 S&W in it to avoid a problem with swollen or even split .38 Special cases.

 

[skiingbear]

Thank You All, for your help. SN V 528079