Just for fun, Lend-Lease Victory

[mod57]

My father gifted this to me. British proofs, all matching numbers still in it's original .38 S&W chambering. Pretty decent shape although the right hand stock (the numbered one) has a chip out of the toe. Nothing special or super rare, fairly common. Just a good shooter and nice relic of the Big War.

https://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=711539&stc=1&d=1734381815

 

[Green Frog]

There are guns that elicit an "Oh, wow" and there are ones like yours that have their own special meaning. Hold onto that one and enjoy it. And remember, the military spec load for the 38-200 (what we call the 38 S&W) is not to be ignored. It is plenty stout for SD and EDC.
Regards,
Froggie

 

[mod57]

Thanks Froggie! The Remington 148gr loads I have fed it certainly shoot well enough. Much like a 380. I have been meaning to try loading the .38-200 spec loads. That should prove interesting.

 

[Green Frog]

I would suggest carefully following printed loading data. The 38-200 is not commonly loaded and you certainly don't want to risk damage to that old warrior. I hope you will enjoy it.
Green Frog

 

[Goony]

If it was a Lend Lease gun, it ought to be marked as U.S. property on the top strap. I'd further remark that the commercial proof marks indicate that it was released into the British commercial market after 1953. Are there any broad arrows or other indications that it was in military service (either with the armed forces of the U.K. proper or one of the Commonwealth members)? Also, may I ask what serial number range it falls into?

 

[DWalt]

If you reload, it is simple to duplicate .38 Special ballistics in .38 S&W cases if you wish. The WWII Victory BSRs are strong modern solid frame revolvers and can use more aggressive handloads without damage. But you might experience sight misalignment with heavier loads. One project you might undertake is to develop .38 S&W loads which shoot close to the point of aim. .358 lead bullets as used for the .38 Special will work just fine, no need to use .361 bullets.

 

[Muley Gil]

When I was in Kosovo in 2002-2004, police officers from the Fiji Islands were carrying these WW II .38 S&W Victory Models.

 

[mod57]

If it was a Lend Lease gun, it ought to be marked as U.S. property on the top strap. I'd further remark that the commercial proof marks indicate that it was released into the British commercial market after 1953. Are there any broad arrows or other indications that it was in military service (either with the armed forces of the U.K. proper or one of the Commonwealth members)? Also, may I ask what serial number range it falls into?

Goony,
It is indeed United States Property and so marked on the left topstrap. I am aware of the significance of the British proofs. It has Crown over BNP marks on the barrel and each chamber. The only other mark is a set of crossed swords with an H,B, 2 and a dot on the left side lower frame.
See accompanying photos. I have also included a photo of the butt with GHD, ordnance shell and SN
https://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=711641&stc=1&d=1734416268
https://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=711642&stc=1&d=1734416268
https://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=711643&stc=1&d=1734416268
I can find no other marks that indicate direct use by any Commonwealth Nation.

 

[cgt4570]

I just took a chance with the pre-victory on Proxibid a couple days ago. Bad pics, plenty of wear, wrong grips (but worth a few $), etc. SN of 775,000 range puts it around 1940-41, so most likely British Purchasing Commission before Lend/Lease. Hammer price was $245. I'll have it in hand for about $300. Just another interesting WW2 Smith to go with my US and UK Victories.

 

[delta-419]

.38 S&W

Chris, check the right grip for a serial number to see if it matches the one on the frame. That could be a prewar set of grips. I could not make out the "Made In USA" stamp in the photo. The diamond grips are a real plus.

 

[mod57]

I just took a chance with the pre-victory on Proxibid a couple days ago. Bad pics, plenty of wear, wrong grips (but worth a few $), etc. SN of 775,000 range puts it around 1940-41, so most likely British Purchasing Commission before Lend/Lease. Hammer price was $245. I'll have it in hand for about $300. Just another interesting WW2 Smith to go with my US and UK Victories.

Very nice! Would like to see more photos when you receive it !

 

[cgt4570]

Chris, check the right grip for a serial number to see if it matches the one on the frame. That could be a prewar set of grips. I could not make out the "Made In USA" stamp in the photo. The diamond grips are a real plus.

I haven't received it yet, BUT: Those are definitely NOT pre-war K magnas. I have a few sets of those (and N's). The transition to the type shown above happened in 1946. I have a very early post war M&P that shipped with pre-war style magnas and humpback hammer.
They share the pre-war square corner border pattern with more lines per inch checkering. Plus they have machined, not stamped rear washers. They're just like the pre-war N style used on the Registered Magnums, just smaller with small medallions.

The BSR (British Service Revolver) above would have most likely shipped with pre-war commercial checkered service (non magna) grips with small silver medallions, although if late enough, it could have been after the transition to smooth 'Victory' style grips. I have plenty of both, so it doesn't really matter.