DATING A VICTORY NAVY

[super9]

I picked up a Victory Navy with s&w spl cartridge on the barrel and U S Navy on the top strap. The finish is about gone but locks up tight. Serial number is V72884 on barrel, butt and cylinder with the frame showing a different number and the grips have a different number also. Any history or help would be great. Thanks super9

 

[Tom Doniphon]

Your Victory Model revolver V72884 likely shipped around August of 1942.

If the "different number" on the frame you are referring to is the one you can see when you open the cylinder, that is actually an assembly number. That assembly number should match the assembly number on the crane.

 

[super9]

Thanks for the info. I plan on putting some light loads thru it soon. The action seems very smooth for it,s age. Thanks super9

 

[Art Doc]

They were all made 1942-45 so not exactly a wide range of possible dates. I agree that yours likely dates from July/August 1942.

My Navy contract VM has been pictured many times with the 1,000+ rounds of +P and +P+ I fired through it. Forget the light load nonsense. It was made to fire full-power ammo.

 

[boatbum101]

Get a factory letter . Many fake Navy's out there as they get a premium price . Letter puts an end to doubts , especially if you decide to sell .

 

[super9]

Thanks for the ammo update. The only reason I would sell is if I found a better example, this being around 40%. A letter seems to be the correct route for this piece of history. Thanks

 

[Cyrano]

When you get your letter, please let us know what it says.