My first S&W Victory

[Mjk42]

I decided to go for the U.S Navy victory revolver with the red lettering I posted about prior and just received it this week. This is my first victory revolver and I am pretty happy with it! Early model that I am guessing was from one of the first navy contracts. V60376 on butt plate, cylinder, barrel and star ejector. Unfortunately no serial number in the grips although they look pretty old and are in good shape. U.S. NAVY in red letters on top strap. Barrel and overall condition are good

Also came with what appears to be an original belt holster in excellent condition.

Pictures in link below.
Smith & Wesson Victory - Google Photos

Smith & Wesson Victory - Google Photos

I plan to send of a factory letter so will see what more I find out!

There is some mild light rust on the finish and wanted to check on any clean suggestions? I have used CLP and very fine steel wool to clean similar rust on bayonets but not on a parkerized finish. Would this be an OK option?

 

[ordnanceguy]

That is a very nice example of a Navy Victory. Based upon the information in the Victory Model Database I can estimate for you that your revolver likely shipped from the factory in the August-September, 1942 time frame.

The SWHF letter that you intend to secure will give you a precise ship date and exact shipping destination. Once you have that I hope that you will post back here with the details to share with the rest of us.

In many years of fooling around with the Victory I have never found a satisfactory method of removing corrosion that has penetrated the Black Magic finish to the metal below without damaging the finish. Any kind of abrasive like steel wool will remove the finish as well as the corrosion. It does not look too bad to me, based on your pics, so if it were my revolver I would just lubricate it well and leave the finish alone.

Thanks for the post.

Regards,
Charlie

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the cotton and peanut covered plains of the Wiregrass! Blue Wonder Cleaner will remove rust without damaging the finish. You might want to use a toothbrush to get into the crevices.

 

[DWalt]

I have never seen nor heard of red-filled topstrap property stamping done at the factory or by the Navy. I suspect it was done by some previous owner. Letters will not provide much information beyond a shipping date. Thence to some naval supply depot, then to any of a thousand unknown ships or shore installations.

 

[Mjk42]

The red letter on the top strap was my hesitation as well that I posted about prior. Seems like the group thought it was highlighted/painted after at some point with a crayon or paint etc but the letter marking itself of U.S. Navy seems to be correct from what I can tell maybe if the letter shows it was navy shipped this would help support this though. I will keep everyone posted when I get the letter back!

 

[charlie sherrill]

Most of the Navy Victory revolvers were shipped to California around 1942-43. Correct me if I'm wrong, I know some will, but I think they quit marking them NAVY after that time period and any future Victory revolvers the Navy got were marked US Property on the top strap. My U.S. NAVY marked Victory is serial #2449XX. I'm guessing yours is older. Several years ago a forum member told me mine probably shipped to Oakland sometime in 1943. Looks like somebody highlighted your US NAVY marking on the strap. It can easily be removed, but if mine I would leave it alone and let a future owner remove it if they want to. It hurts nothing and doesn't devalue it.

 

[Mjk42]

As promised, I received the factory letter and wanted to update. Revolver was shipped sept 12 1942 to naval base in Oakland CA. I attached a copy of the letter below.