Help with ID

[saber18]

I've found a parkerized, S&W,38spl, 4" (3 13/16") barrel, loaded, in an old trunk I bought. the numbers on the barrel and grip are the same, V395xxx. but the number under the yoke is 51478 and a letter B stamped above. When it was stored it was oiled and is in very good condition. even the 6, 38 spl FMJ cartidges look good. What do I have?

 

[saber18]

I've found a parkerized, S&W,38spl, 4" (3 13/16") barrel, loaded, in an old trunk I bought. the numbers on the barrel and grip are the same, V395xxx. but the number under the yoke is 51478 and a letter B stamped above. When it was stored it was oiled and is in very good condition. even the 6, 38 spl FMJ cartidges look good. What do I have?

 

[opoefc]

Saber18, You have a WW2 made Victory Model S&W revolver. Characteristics would be a 4 inch barrel, Dull blue finish similar to Parkerizing, however S&W used their own finish and call it Sand Blast Blue or Black Magic. Your gun was made approx. July-Aug. 1943. It should have a flaming bomb orcnance acceptance stamp on it and the top strap should say "US Property" with the inspector's stamp of "G.H.D." for Guy H. Drewrey. If those stamps are not there, then the gun was sold to a civilian destination during the war by the Defense Supply Commission and shipped to a defense Plant Guard or a Police Dep't. Grips should be smooth walnut and a lanyard swivel was in the butt. The number on the yoke is the assembly number and will also be on the grips frame and on the inside of the sideplate. Other letter stamps are fitters & assemblers stamps. Trigger & Hammer are case hardened. Nice find, but if you bought this trunk in Calif., technically you have an illegal transfer of a handgun by an unlicensed seller, perhaps. You can solve this by having a Calif. dealer transfer the gun to you from the seller and do the paperwork needed by the DOJ. Or you can keep you mouth shut and chances are you won't have a problem if the gun never comes to the attention of any Calif. law enforcement agencies.

 

[saber18]

Thanks for the responde. There is a bomb ordance stamp and US Property GHD stamped on the top strap. The only thing missing is the Butt swivel. other than that it is a really good looking piece. I live in Calif and being a former retired police office I was able to run the numbers and it came up clear. enough said.