help me identify
- Thread starter Wil1989
- Start date
That's a "U.S. Navy marked" .38 Military & Police Victory Model. Produced during WW II.
The SCSW (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson) 4th edition states, page 167:
U.S. NAVY marked worth premium............if marked on topstrap...
These V prefix, Victory, models are outside my bailiwick but there are a few guys on this forum that have a wealth of knowledge and they'll be along before long to give you more information than you can imagine.
The SCSW (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson) 4th edition states, page 167:
U.S. NAVY marked worth premium............if marked on topstrap...
These V prefix, Victory, models are outside my bailiwick but there are a few guys on this forum that have a wealth of knowledge and they'll be along before long to give you more information than you can imagine.
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Not an real expert, but, the V in the serial number make it what is Know as a Victory model. 38 special and as you can tell at one time it belonged to the Navy. Your was probably made in 1940 or 41.
Somebody who is into these will probably come along and give you more/better information.
Somebody who is into these will probably come along and give you more/better information.
Welcome to the Forum.
As stated above, you have a US Navy .38 special Victory model, built during WW II. The hole in the butt is for a lanyard loop. A replacement loop can be ordered from Numrich Arms. It appears the grips have been replaced too. They should be smooth walnut and fit the frame without overhang.
As stated above, you have a US Navy .38 special Victory model, built during WW II. The hole in the butt is for a lanyard loop. A replacement loop can be ordered from Numrich Arms. It appears the grips have been replaced too. They should be smooth walnut and fit the frame without overhang.
This Victory Model is from about the spring of 1942 (maybe June?). It is well within the serial range of the Navy contract guns and the marking is almost certainly authentic. Nice!
Of the various "flavors" of Victory revolvers , the ones marked U.S. Navy are VERY desirable. Yours appears to be in pretty good condition , albeit without original grips and lanyard ring. Please provide us with a full profile shot.
If it were mine I would correct those irregularities and head for the range with it.
Mind if I ask how you came by your Victory?
If it were mine I would correct those irregularities and head for the range with it.
Mind if I ask how you came by your Victory?
Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
These weren't "blued" in the traditional sense, but given a simpler dull phosphate finish which seems well-preserved on all parts of your gun that I can see in the pictures. "Touching up" isn't really an option, and refinishing would be a crime given the overall nice condition of yours. Can you post pictures of the areas you are concerned about?
