My father passed a couple years ago and left me a S&W pistol and I would like to find out some information on it , I figured someone on this site could help! It is a hand ejector 38 S&W with a 5 inch barrel and fixed sights, serial number on the butt of the gun is V217XXX. I tried to post pictures but cant seem to be able to figure out how off my tablet. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Looking for info
- Thread starter geerzer69
- Start date
Welcome to the Forum.
You have a Victory Model .38, built during WW II. Generally, the 5" revolvers were chambered in .38 S&W, which is NOT the same as .38 special. The 5" guns were built for the British Commonwealth forces, while the Victories intended for the US had 4" and came in .38 special.
You have a Victory Model .38, built during WW II. Generally, the 5" revolvers were chambered in .38 S&W, which is NOT the same as .38 special. The 5" guns were built for the British Commonwealth forces, while the Victories intended for the US had 4" and came in .38 special.
Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The serial places it in very early 1943. Assuming that it is indeed a British Service Model version of the Victory, it would have shipped to the Hartford Ordnance Depot and from there to a Lend-lease recipient, most likely Britain. Sometimes we can draw some conclusions from different markings on the gun (no guarantees, though). Some went to Australia, New Zealand etc.
In the decades after the war, they were surplused out, and many made their way back to the US and were sold cheaply on the civilian market, many heavily modified.
If you post some good photos, including of any markings,we MAY be able to tell you a few more things. Try the "Manage attachments" function below the advanced answer window; it works from mobile devices.
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As Absalom noted above, many of these were modified to fire the longer and smaller diameter .38 Special, usually by lengthening the charge holes; this results in .38 Special brass swelling or even cracking with firing. If a .38 Special fully chambers it has been modified.
Otherwise, it appears from the photos to be original, aside from the missing lanyard ring from the bottom of the grip frame that can easily be replaced.
Otherwise, it appears from the photos to be original, aside from the missing lanyard ring from the bottom of the grip frame that can easily be replaced.
Thank you Murphydog. I just checked it and a 38 special will not chamber fully so I guess it is all original just missing the lanyard loop like you said. Think I am gonna take it out today and see how accurate it still is 73 years later !
Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I completely agree. The finish is original and in good shape, nice crisp case-coloring on hammer and trigger, stocks correct without a lot of dings. If you take the stocks off, check the inside of the right panel for a serial number stamping; there is a good chance it will match, further increasing the value. And it has not been rechambered. The lanyard swivel is not a serial-numbered part, and originals can be found on Gunbroker, ebay etc.
One doesn't find British Service Models in this condition very often. I do see post-war commercial proofs on the barrel, but I just treat those as evidence that the gun was actually in British service and was "honorably discharged"
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