Model Name and Date of Mfg.

[Daugier]

I just acquired a S&W revolver that has me a little confused. Here are the details:
Hand Ejector (no model number)
s/n V183445
.38 S&W Special
4" Bbl, tapered
Fixed sights
5 Screw plus a strain screw
Butt swivel
Made in U.S.A. (Single line address)

The Victory number, if that's what it is, would indicate about a 1944 mfg. date. But I thought the single line address dated it around 1915. (this may be my mistake). It was sold to me as a "U.S. Navy Victory", but I can't find anything with that description.

Any help will be appreciated! Thanks.

 

[PeteC]

A Navy Victory is basically a 1940's Victory model shipped to and marked US Navy on the top strap. Example:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/141634032-post102.html

I can't tell what yours is, but aside from the engraving, it fits the description, including the one-line address, 4" barrel, and .38 spl caliber.

I am pretty sure the US Navy did not issue them decorated in that fashion though. At least not to just any old seaman..

 

[Targets Guy]

Well it is a Victory. An early one with that serial number. It would have shipped sometime in 1942. The one line address went away sometime in 1948. The "Made in USA" stamp was originally ordered in May 1922. With a Navy Victory sometimes US Navy was stamped on the top of the gun above the cylinder.


At any rate given the engraving you've got a beautiful piece there.


Stocks are not original. They would have been smooth walnut grips.

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun. The one-line address went away in the late 1940s so normal for a WW II gun. It has a more polished and blued rather than the phosphate finish seen in the gun just above.

 

[JP@AK]

The Victory number, if that's what it is, would indicate about a 1944 mfg. date. But I thought the single line address dated it around 1915. (this may be my mistake). It was sold to me as a "U.S. Navy Victory", but I can't find anything with that description.

I can clear some of this up for you.

1. V183445 is from 1942.
2. The single line address was added in 1922. Four line address started in the spring of 1948.
3. Nearly all U.S. Victory Models went to the Navy. The earliest were sold on a Navy contract, which is what PeteC is referring to. Later, they were procured through the Army system, but most of them still went to the Navy. After the war, other services got them, which why they showed up in Vietman among Army chopper pilots and others.

Added: Someone might mention the DSC. So, yes, a number were sent to the DSC, but those issued to the military were nearly all issued by the Navy.

 

[DWalt]

Your Victory would likely have shipped sometime in late 1942. You did not indicate if there is a stamping on the topstrap. If there is nothing there, is is probably a civilian revolver (law enforcement, defense plant guards, etc.), and usually called a DSC revolver. If it were a Navy gun, it would be stamped U. S. NAVY. As previously noted, the engraving and grips are not original and add no value, in fact, they detract value.

 

[Daugier]

Thanks! It does say U.S. Navy on the top strap. I appreciate your response.

 

[Daugier]

Thanks for your response! I have several Victory models, this is my second fully engraved one.

 

[Daugier]

JP@AK Thanks for the good information!

 

[Daugier]

Thanks Dwalt! But I have to differ about the value! I have three Victory models, but I collect them based on their engraving, not their historical importance. The problem is in the past few weeks engraved Smiths have gone way up in price.

 

[Inusuit]

Thanks Dwalt! But I have to differ about the value! I have three Victory models, but I collect them based on their engraving, not their historical importance. The problem is in the past few weeks engraved Smiths have gone way up in price.

I think DWalt is referencing Victory value to traditional collectors. You have a specific interest in engraved versions and so they are valuable to you. The revolver is beautiful.

 

[JSR III]

Collecting, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. Some folks collect stamps or coins and others may collect engraved Victory models. Whatever floats your boat.

Personally, I think that it is a cool looking revolver and someone chose to modify it to suit their interest.

That is why GOD invented chocolate and vanilla.......

 

[murphydog]

Its official name is .38 Military & Police. Victory Model is a commonly used but unofficial name.