how old is my hand ejector? possible victory model?

[TaylorRatliff]

I have a old hand ejector that I need your help with dating.
1.) The type of revolver is a hand ejector since the cylinder swings out on the left side.
2.) The serial number on the butt of the grip is 983XXX with 'W.B.", ordinance bomb, and "p" proof mark on the other side of the butt.
3.) The caliber is 38 S&W.
4.) The barrel length is 5" from the front of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle.
5.) The sights are fixed.
Additional information:
- the lanyard loop is present
-it is a 5 screw
-the revolver is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on the top strap and is also marked "osterreich polizei" (Austria Police) and "G.K. 589" on the back of the grip.

I have had this revolver for a few years since I am partial to model 10 revolvers and victory model revolvers (old guns in general) and saw this one needing to be rescued at a local gun show. I refinished the gun since a previous owner decided to heavily sand down and buff the surface to cold blued it. It now sits with a rust blued finish that looks mediocre just so I can see the markings easier. I know it has no collector value since the finish was completely ruined, but I would like to know it's age to see how much younger or older in comparison to my early 1942 and mid 1945 victory model revolvers. Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[jayn.32]

ser 983XXX would be very late 1941 or early 1942 before the V serial started after reaching 999999. Your gun is called a BSR or British Service revolver generally 5in 38S&W and variousUS property markings and British proofs. Post war some were issued to German police depts., yours to Austria. My Osterreich Polezei is V544XXX.

 

[Absalom]

To add to the previous identification, your gun shipped originally probably in April or May 1942 as a Lend-lease gun for Britain. The WB (inspector initials Waldemar Broberg) and the P proof and ordnance flaming bomb were applied at the factory. It has no British markings, the other stampings are Austrian, when it was issued to local police by the Allied occupation authorities. The Habsburg/Austrian eagle surrounded by Österreich Polizei is common to all revolvers issued there, the GK stands for Gendarmerie Kommando (the specific district/unit).

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

 

[murphydog]

Welcome, also. Most collectors would refer to this one as a (late) "pre-Victory Model"; after SN 999999 came V1 and the official VM.

Here is a thread on the same topic (and page, at present):

Interesting Pre-Victory model

Enjoy!

 

[DWalt]

I list quite a few having SNs very close to yours, all of which have a 5/42 shipping date.

 

[opoefc]

Alan, I know you know better, however after ser. number 999,999 came ser. number 1,000,000, which is still in the factory collection donated to the Springfield Historical Museum ( formerly CVHM). Ed.

 

[murphydog]

Alan, I know you know better, however after ser. number 999,999 came ser. number 1,000,000, which is still in the factory collection donated to the Springfield Historical Museum ( formerly CVHM). Ed.

Actually, I didn't! . Thanks Ed!

 

[TaylorRatliff]

Thanks everyone for the quick and speedy responses! Sorry that it has taken me a while to respond. You guys are great and I really appreciate it. I will be on this forum trying to learn as much as possible about victory models since they are so fascinating to me.