Need help identifying a S&W 38 Special

[ifly]

Could use some help identifying origin date, etc of a .38 special I just received. Thanks in advance!

- revolver
- fixed front sight, rear sight is incorporated into the top of the spine (doesn't stick up above the spine)
- 4" barrel length
- number on frame behind yoke: "U" with the number 21242 on a second line below the "U"
- number on yoke: 21242
- serial number: V 2660xx
- pistol has a lanyard ring on the butt ("V" is on the forward side of the lanyard ring, the rest of the serial number 2660xx is to the aft side of the lanyard ring)
- 4 frame screws on the right side, a fifth screw is in front of the trigger guard
- the side of the barrel says "38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG"

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! That is a WWII U.S. Victory revolver in .38 Special. Someone with better data will give you a shipping date. My guess is 1943. The numbers/letters inside the yoke have no meaning outside the factory. Can you post some pictures so we can see the condition of the finish?

 

[murphydog]

Good information above. Here are a "few" posts about it:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/search...q=Victory+Model+.38+Special+information&sa=Go

 

[ifly]

Thanks Guy/Alan. That helps with its' origin. It was apparently my wife's grandfather's gun. He served in WWII, but not sure if this was his service revolver or if it was acquired outside his duty. It appears to be in its' original shoulder holster (has a US marking on it). The pistol shows signs of holster wear on the end of the barrel (both sides near tip and the front blade sight). Still trying to get the family story on it. Needs a good cleaning and oiling from sitting up many years, otherwise appears OK. Was probably last fired in the 60's or 70's.

 

[ifly]

A few more pics to help with its' history!

 

[ifly]

Hi Dwalt.. thanks for the additional information. There's nothing on the top strap. Appears to be a numbers-matching pistol. The wife's grandfather was an aviator, which fits with the apparent issue of the firearm.