Help Identifying Victory

[bluesman77]

About 25 years ago I purchased a several firearms from a gentleman who was our building contractor at the time. The guns had belonged to his late father & among them was a Victory serial number V1676XX. The barrel is marked "38 S.&W. Special CTG. The right grip has an upside down "33" branded into along w/ "00". It's in what I feel to be very nice shape. I've looked at posts on here & am guessing it was made in early '43. I have an interested buyer, but feels the lack of a "Property of US Government" lowers its value. Any help w/ identifying its age, possible use & ball park value would be appreciated.

 

[JP@AK]

It is from 1942 (roughly V1 to V210000). The absence of the property stamp does not affect the value. It merely means it was likely a DSC unit, rather than one that went to the U.S. Navy.

The biggest price drawback on this one is probably the mutilated stock panel. Who knows why it was "branded" that way and who did it?

 

[bluesman77]

It is from 1942 (roughly V1 to V210000). The absence of the property stamp does not affect the value. It merely means it was likely a DSC unit, rather than one that went to the U.S. Navy.

The biggest price drawback on this one is probably the mutilated stock panel. Who knows why it was "branded" that way and who did it?

Thank you. For what it's worth, the branding seems original to the gun, though I don't know the significance. The grips are smooth & the numbers can only be seen in fairly bright light.

 

[chiefdave]

The 33 could possibly be a rack number. You might have it lettered, the destination of DSC Victory's can be surprising.

 

[bluesman77]

Thank you, I will. I don't know what you mean by rack number. It appears to be original to the gun & you can only see it in certain light - it's not indented.

 

[Muley Gil]

Thank you, I will. I don't know what you mean by rack number. It appears to be original to the gun & you can only see it in certain light - it's not indented.

Weapons that are not issued and kept by the individual are usually secured in a rifle rack, safe or locked cabinet. These are issued to officers, guards, military members, etc. and the rack number is recorded, rather than writing down the serial number each time.

 

[Goony]

The poor fit leads me to believe that the stocks aren't the factory originals anyway.

 

[Legendarylawman]

A picture of the butt would help. Is there a flaming bomb stamp on the butt? A flaming bomb stamp on the butt without a P proof mark on the side about the release or on the barrel on the flat are "worth more ?" than a flaming bomb with a P proof mark.

Pictures of any marks on the revolver help.

The Victory stocks are plentifull on Ebay at around 45 bucks a set. I don't see any value with those that are on it. Just my opinion.

Carl

 

[bluesman77]

Weapons that are not issued and kept by the individual are usually secured in a rifle rack, safe or locked cabinet. These are issued to officers, guards, military members, etc. and the rack number is recorded, rather than writing down the serial number each time.

Thank you.

 

[bluesman77]

A picture of the butt would help. Is there a flaming bomb stamp on the butt? A flaming bomb stamp on the butt without a P proof mark on the side about the release or on the barrel on the flat are "worth more ?" than a flaming bomb with a P proof mark.

Pictures of any marks on the revolver help.

The Victory stocks are plentifull on Ebay at around 45 bucks a set. I don't see any value with those that are on it. Just my opinion.

Carl

Thank you! Without your response, I'd never known that mark is a flaming bomb. Yes, mine has it, but no P proof mark anywhere.

 

[Legendarylawman]

From what I can read in "Pate's" book, I would get a letter from Colt. Without the proof stamps, but with the ordinance stamp (flaming bomb), it could be an early DSC contract revolver or an early Army contract revolver, and then the trail goes from there.

Just my thoughts,

Carl

 

[Muley Gil]

From what I can read in "Pate's" book, I would get a letter from Colt. Without the proof stamps, but with the ordinance stamp (flaming bomb), it could be an early DSC contract revolver or an early Army contract revolver, and then the trail goes from there.

Just my thoughts,

Carl

I'm confused. What Colt are you talking about?

 

[Legendarylawman]

I'm confused. What Colt are you talking about?

That makes two of us. I'm sorry. I would get a letter from Smith & Wesson Histrical Society.

Brain fart,

Carl

 

[bpd303]

I've seen some in the $500-$600 dollar price range. They are not as scarce as some would have you believe.