George H.W. Bush's Victory Model Photos

[Walter Rego]

I decided to start a new topic since the others concerning this revolver have started to deteriorate into politics. For those who would like to see the photos, the gentleman who took them today has consented to me posting a link to the Fotki photo hosting site. I hope this works:

http://public.fotki.com/84bravo/ghw-bushs-smith-and/victory/

It looks like the serial # is V 361858 but this is being confirmed by the museum. Included were the shoulder holster and plastic protective cover that air crewmen snapped around their revolvers for some protection against water. I hope you guys enjoy these pictures.

 

[Walter Rego]

I decided to start a new topic since the others concerning this revolver have started to deteriorate into politics. For those who would like to see the photos, the gentleman who took them today has consented to me posting a link to the Fotki photo hosting site. I hope this works:

http://public.fotki.com/84bravo/ghw-bushs-smith-and/victory/

It looks like the serial # is V 361858 but this is being confirmed by the museum. Included were the shoulder holster and plastic protective cover that air crewmen snapped around their revolvers for some protection against water. I hope you guys enjoy these pictures.

 

[BruceHMX]

Thanks Walter for the pics. That's in remarkable condition. Especially when it was in salt water until GW was picked up. The Lt must have cleaned it really well after given to him.

Take Care

 

[FPrice]

Thanks for posting these!

 

[Munsterf18]

Is it Navy marked?

Munster

 

[JayCeeNC]

Thanks for the link, and please thank the photographer from all of us for sharing the pictures of this historically important revolver.

 

[gunbarrel]

Those are excellent--thank you, very much, for posting them.

I was wondering, is this the most "famous" Victory Model revolver?

GB

 

[jpage]

How is it proven that it belonged to Bush? the holster has another man's name on it.

 

[sigp220.45]

Cool pictures. I wonder where JFK's is?

 

[glypnir]

It does look like it has been well cared for. It is interesting because of who owned it, but it's not like he did anything with it beyond carrying it. And giving it away.

On the other hand if I'd been floating around in the ocean contemplating my imminent uncomfortable demise, and been rescued, I would have give my rescuer any reasonable request too.

I wonder if it was reported as "lost at sea"? So is 41 complicit in theft (by fraud) of government property?

I suspect the statute of limitations applies, and I don't care anyway, except that it makes the pistol a little more interesting that way.

 

[Walter Rego]

Roy Jinks checked the serial number of V 361858 and it shipped to the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, VA on July 20th, 1943. The serial number still needs to be confirmed by the director of the museum though, as the number above was taken from the photos and may not be 100% accurate. The name on the shoulder holster is Lt. j.g. Albert Brostrum, who was the sailor on the USS Finback to whom Bush gave the revolver.

 

[Jerry in SC]

Thanks, nice photographs.

 

[cmj8591]

I noticed from the photos that the lanyard ring appears to have its finish worn off. I replaced the ring on my VM with a Gun Parts Corp replacement that looked to be worn the same way (see my last post for a photo). Does anyone know how they were finished at the factory?
Thanks for the great post. A gun with a very interesting story.

 

[TN RAT]

Thanks for the pics. It looks like the "plastic" covering held up well and gave it a great deal of protection.

I hope the museum cleans it up after handling.

What would the cover have been made of? Actual plastic we know today was not invented yet, correct?

 

[Walter Rego]

The plastic cover is known as the Cover, Protective, Pistol or Revolver (Navy), Drawing Number 123110-13. It is shown on page 305 of Charles W. Pate's U.S. Handguns of World War II, The Secondary Pistols and Revolvers. The picture shows an airman from the USS Essex with the cover wrapped around his Victory Model and stuffed into a shoulder holster. The cover is described as "a clear plastic envelope with a tab that is secured by a snap. There are imprinted fold lines to guide folding the top which, when secured by the tab, provides waterproof protection for the weapon". It looks like it did a pretty good job considering the dunking in salt water that the revolver and holster endured, and it must have been some time before the revolver was dried, cleaned, and oiled again. There is evidence of rust around the lanyard loop, but other than that the revolver looks pretty good.

 

[DHENRY]

Thanks, Walter...You've done us a fine service!

 

[TN RAT]

Thanks for all the info. Makes me want a Victory model in 38 or 45.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I've got several of those plastic handgun storage covers from WWII. Amazingly, they are still supple. I have my Grandfather's M&P Model 1902 stored in one; it's kept the gun rust free for over 30 years. Wish they made them today.