Australian Victory Model pawn shop find

[Artyldr01]

Driving home from a crazy gun show last month I stopped at one of my favorite pawn shops. I saw this gem hidden in plain sight, at a price that I didn't hesitate on. I put it on layaway to keep some fluid cash. I've already learned a great deal but any more you may be able to provide is appreciated.

SN: V196042 (back of cylinder matches)

GHD on the butt, not top strap

U.S. Property Marked on Top strap

Assembly numbers on frame and arm match: 19433

D/|\D and FTR MA/53

I can't tell if it was reparkerized during the FTR, but you can see metal in the white where the stamps were and the cylinder (pin?) and hammer are still original finish.

It has the Vega Import Mark but I accidentally deleted that photo.

Anyway, I hope you like and I will add to the Victory Model database.

I can't wait to get her home.

I ordered a holster, now just need a correct belt, ammo pouch and lanyard!

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[Absalom]

Nice find!

December 1942. The GHD was on the butt until the topstrap stamping was shortened to U.S.

Even though cylinder and frame have different color hues, I believe it's all original. Neither one looks like the Lithgow refinish (see below), likely phosphate-based, which produced a much duller blackish appearance very different from the original Victory finish.

Guns that were Lithgow-FTR'd but not refinished appear occasionally, but are very uncommon. The MA/53 indicates it was handled in the middle of the FTR program (stamps from 52 to 55 are known), so it's not an outlier. MA = Mach Arms, Lithgow's telex code and identifier.

 

[Artyldr01]

Very cool. I just went to pay and take photos. I thought it was arsenal refinished but I think you are right. Even better!

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[glenncal1]

Nothing wrong with that old warhorse, good score.