First time caller, long time listener :) S&W Victory Query

[TheHobbyist]

Hello All-

This is my first post, and I have enjoyed the comments, topics, and so forth for some time now on this site. I would like to express my thanks for all the wonderful stories and info. Thank you all.


In reference to my query, I was wondering the relative value of a S&W Victory model. A gun shop in my area has one, with numerous stampings on it. The revolver, in .38, is stamped US Govt property.

The shop wants 399.00 for it and I think I could get it for around $375, plus fees and tax. I would rate its condition in 85-90 %, it is in good overall condition.

Is this a good price if it is not in "vault-queen" condition? I really appreciate the historical side of this particular specimen.

Many thanks for your insights

 

[cgt4570]

Sounds like a British lend-lease. Unless you reload, ammo will be somewhat expensive (.38-200, not .38 Special). Some of these are worth that much, if they went to allies other than Britain or have some other unusual feature or destination. Otherwise, that sounds on the high side.

 

[TheHobbyist]

Sir-

Can you please advise what I should be looking for on the stampings to determine if it went somewhere other than Britain? It has numerous proof marks all over it...if I were to guess i'd say ball-park of at least six stampings. Thanks again!

 

[flagman1776]

What does it say on the barrel for caliber?

I don't know where you are but that sounds high.
Russ

 

[opoefc]

Those stampings happened after the gun was sold as surplus by the Brits, after WW2, to English gun companies who specialized in converting these 38/200 caliber guns to cal. .38 Special for the local and foreign markets. Those resales to Brits, etc. in the commercial market required the proofing stamps to meet gun proof laws for commercial sales. Beware if the gun has been converted by boring out the chambers to take the longer .38 Spl. round, as sometimes this leads to split cases, etc. due to the difference in the two cartridges case diameters. Also, the conversion destroys any collector value of the gun. $399 is not a steal for even a gun not converted and is about twice what it's worth if converted to .38 Spl. Having said all that, if the stampings have the letter F.T.R. anywhere on the frame, that means the gun was overhauled at a Gov't arsenal for possible future military issuance. If the gun has an import dealers stamp, then it was purchased later as surplus and brought to the US by the importer. The F.T.R. means " Factory Through Repair" and is seen mostly on guns shipped to Australia. Those guns are not converted to .38 Spl., usually, and remain in their original .38/200 caliber, and are collectable. Ed #15

 

[Rute Boye]

Sir-

Can you please advise what I should be looking for on the stampings to determine if it went somewhere other than Britain? It has numerous proof marks all over it...if I were to guess i'd say ball-park of at least six stampings. Thanks again!

One example of a non-British marking can be found on revolvers sent to New Zealand, like the (poorly stamped) "NZ" on the backstrap of this Victory Model:

 

[TheHobbyist]

@ opoefc,

Many thanks for your post, after which, I believe the Victory in question was rechambered/overhauled to .38 special. I think I am going to pass...but appreciate the input from everyone and look forward to future posts and responses (just got high-speed internet, woohoo).

Thanks again