Another Victory

[Igiveup]

I recently acquired a Victory .38 special, 4 inch barrel revolver. The left top strap is marked U S Navy. Sn is V142556, cylinder is mismatched with snV160025. The overall condition of the revolver is vg. I knew the cylinder was a mismatch, but did not have a navy marked Victory, so bought it for a shooter. I would appreciate any information anyone has on it.

 

[Waveski]

Pictures = lots of good responses.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Hi Kevin,

Yes, we like photos!

In the mean time, here's a link to a site that will offer a bunch of great info.

http://www.coolgunsite.com/pistols/sw_v210725/U.S. NAVY Victory Model.htm

Enjoy.

 

[Igiveup]

Well, two-bit cowboy, that website is "cool". I am amazed that after all these years I haven't seen it before. From that site, I conclude my revolver is from the first two contracts to the Navy. Maybe 1942?
As for pictures, I like them also. All I have is an old flip phone, perhaps tomorrow I can ask my wife if she the capabilities to take a picture with her fancy phone.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

From the title of your initial post I gather you're rather a Victory aficionado, ya?

You'd likely enjoy Pate's book. He allows that some of the later Navy Victories might have shipped in early 1943.

Does yours have the ordnance mark on the butt?

 

[Absalom]

...
You'd likely enjoy Pate's book. He allows that some of the later Navy Victories might have shipped in early 1943...

While both of the OP’s serials, the V142- and the V160-, were almost certainly produced in late fall of 1942 (Oct/Nov), shipping wasn’t quite chronological all the time.

The US NAVY stamping, however, definitely did continue until late spring 1943, past the mid-V200-thousands, until it was replaced by the US PROPERTY for all military Victorys. The bulk of those continued to go to the Navy until the end of the war.

 

[Igiveup]

two-bit cowboy- I think I am gaining interest in the victory revolvers. I think, if I remember correctly, I had one lettered a few years ago, an Australian FTR'd in 1955. Have since found a couple more, and now this Navy one. Just had to have, knowing the cylinder was mismatched. I'm thinking it will be a fun shooter, something to show off. LOL

No ordinance marking whatsoever, nor other markings from what I already said. Absalom, thanks for looking up the dates.

What is the title of Pate's book? I'll try to find a copy.

 

[ordnanceguy]

What is the title of Pate's book? I'll try to find a copy.

That would be "U.S. Handguns of World War II" by Charlie Pate, a member of the S&WCA. By far the best book on the subject.

 

[Igiveup]

O.K.---I think you guys are teaming up on me! I ordered the book last night from Amazon. Thanks for the information.

 

[Igiveup]

Only thru the first chapter, going to be a good read.