Model 10 Victory Circa Question

[Elvis1s]

Hello, I bought a Model 10 today. It has a V on left side of lanyard loop and the serial number is 392035. it has checkered grips. I believe it is pre-1941 but cannot determine the exact year it was manufactured.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Targets Guy]

The closest I can get you is V350991 which shipped 7/43.

And V450985 shipped in 11/43 so I am guessing you have a 1943 shipped Victory.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! The V prefix Victory Models started production in April 1942 and ended in the early V 800000 range in 1945. I would guess yours to be from mid-late 1943 but there are several experts here that will narrow that down. These had smooth walnut stocks originally, whether they were 4" .38 Specials (US issue) or 5" .38 S & Ws (British and Commonwealth).

A very similar gun after about 1957 was named the model 10, but this is too early to have that designation. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

V stamped .38 Military & Police revolvers are referred to as Victory Models. They come in two basic different varieties: 4" .38 specials for US troops and stateside distribution and 5" .38 S&Ws for the British Commonwealth troops.

S&W didn't assign model numbers until 1957. The company had introduced a newer short action to their revolvers post WW II. These short action revolvers with the short action are referred to by collectors as being "pre" models.

 

[Absalom]

Hello, I bought a Model 10 today. It has a V on left side of lanyard loop and the serial number is 392035. it has checkered grips. I believe it is pre-1941 but cannot determine the exact year it was manufactured.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The others have identified what your gun was originally. If you can post a picture or two, you can get more information on its condition and originality, and whether anything besides the grips has been altered, such as the finish.