M&P , Victory model values

[guitar1580]

I like collecting S&W's from various time periods. For my next acquisition, I'm wanting a 1905 model in 4" from the 1930's, and am also thinking I'd like to obtain a Victory model at some point.

I usually look for less than perfect examples, which are mechanically sound, but I don't mind if my older guns show signs of use, thin finish, etc., lets say approx $300 range, give or take a little, depending. When I look for used M&P models, I tend to see more pre 1920's, and post 1940 guns than I see from the 1930s.

My questions: Do the Victory models go for higher $$ because of the association to WWII or not? Can anyone give me an idea of which would be easier to find a good deal on a decent original example, the Victory or a 1930s M&P?

Thanks, Josh P

 

[DCWilson]

I'm not sure I believe a shooter grade Victory will always be more expensive than a shooter-grade M&P from just three or four years earlier. Seems to me a shooter-grade K-frame .38 is a $250-300 gun regardless of how you classify it. Condition differences will make this model or that one more expensive than the other.

On the scarcity issue, note that the 1930s were a period of low volume for S&W, with only about 60,000-70,000 K-frames produced in the decade -- and roughly one-third of those were the K-22 Outdoorsman. The Victory series began in 1942, and about 700,000 of those were produced before WWII ended a little over three years later. In between, from 1940-1942, about 300,000 M&Ps were produced, most of them under military contracts; these are the guns that are loosely classified as Pre-Victory.

So even allowing for the number of Vics lost under chaotic wartime circumstances or cut/modified for the postwar cheap .38 market, you are far likelier to come across a Victory than a '30s-era M&P. Nevertheless, any gun that was made in the tens of thousands should not be considered rare. M&Ps from the 1930s ought to turn up fairly regularly on consignment shelves or in auctions.

Some special inerest Victory revolvers can bring good prices for high condition and membership in a collectible subclass. I paid a premium for a 1944 Victory in .38/200 that was in first rate condition and had an Austrian police stamp on it. Looks like it may never have been issued, though it had a few nicks and light dings from (one presumes) being moved around from crate to shelf over the years.

When I first started collecting S&Ws I was seduced by the more charismatic models -- early .44s, the K-Masterpiece guns, .38/44 Outdoorsman and Heavy Duty models. I regarded the M&Ps as a kind of plain-wrap vanilla revolver without a lot of allure. But as time went by I picked up one, then another, and finally got to the point where I defeated my negative attitude. The fixed-sight .38 Specials on the K-frame are S&W's most popular product ever, and with good reason. Once you get the prewar M&P and Victory that you want, I bet you will find it hard to stop.

 

[Retired W4]

That is an excellent discussion by Mr. Wilson on prewar and war time S&W's. I might add that the .38 special versions issued to, and or used by the U.S. military/government seems to carry a slight premium over the 38/200 (.38 S&W) produced for our allies, all other things being equal.

 

[guitar1580]

Thanks David, that is great info., a big help.

I'm already finding it hard to stop.

Josh P

 

[opoefc]

Josh, Good original Victory models are increasing in value everyday, with premiums paid for well marked specimens, whether Police, Military or Civilian guns. You can't pay too much, but you can pay it too soon. At last weekends, Las Vegas Antique Arms show, I saw several nice Victory Model, some with accessories, at prices between $750-$1250. Most were gone at the close of the show. Ed.

 

[Don Luigi]

My Victory Model .38/200 with 5" barrel was issued in the same year I was - 1942. Marked on the top strap "United States Property," on the left side plate "Osterreich Polizei" (diaeresis on "O".) Not all that powerful, but utterly UTTERLY dependable. Not for sale at any price.