Pawn Shop "Victory" Find

[kikokat]

"Bavarian" photo shoot

In response to Dragon 88's request for a photo shoot (as though I needed an excuse), here are pics of my Bavarian Victory, along with another "USProperty" marked and "USNavy" marked Victory's. Also included a pic the Victorys with their Colt Commando cousins and the "Bavarian" M1 carbines I had at one point.
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

 

[Teddydog]

One of the main reasons we marked the guns supplied to German police forces was that it allowed us to know exactly where such a gun came from if it was found in the hands of a civilian or insurgent.

Rob

 

[JSR III]

I wonder if it is possible that those marked in German were pick ups or confiscated from POW's and then marked by the Germans during the war to show German possession? I would have to assume that many military arms changed hands during battles when ground was taken and then given back and retaken in the heat of battle.

It would then be possible to have a lend lease US revolver given to the Brits or the Aussies with commonwealth marks and then German marks in German???? Those supplied to occupied Germany would understandably be marked in English.

 

[S&W Neophyte]

Very nice! My first S&W is a pawn shop Victory that I paid the same amount for a little over two years ago.

Of course mine lacks any unique markings, was poorly refinished after the war, and had incorrect stocks. At the time I thought any functioning .38 spl k-frame S&W would be worth $250 as a shooter, so I'd say you did really well.

 

[Airedale]

I was in my local P&G today. They handed me a Victory revolver marked Bavaria Municipal Police.
It is a 5" (measured) and marked .38 S&W. It has been rebored to take .38 Specials.
It is blued.(I assume a very nice reblue). All numbers on the parts match. It is stocked with checkered diamond grips. It has the lanyard ring.

The SN is V666xxx or V665xxx-can't recall.

They have it tagged at $289 but it can be bought for less. I may buy it as a shooter.

Dave

Edit to add a question: With the, now, longer chambers, any idea how .38 S&W will shoot out of this?