S&W Victory model serial number lookup

Yours shipped, probably, in September or October 1944. Original Victory grips would be smooth wood, not checkered, and without S&W medallions - so your grip panels are not original. It would be impossible to say where it went after it left the factory - likely to some military depot. It should have a 4" barrel and a phosphate finish. Some good pictures might reveal other interesting details.
 
Thank you!

DWalt, Thank you so much for the great info. Sorry to hear that the grips have been changed, but I still sure love the gun! I did find another marking on it, there is a letter "P" stamped on the left side, just above and to the right of the cylinder. The gun looks well used, and is certainly dinged up a bit, but overall I am really impressed with how well it cleaned up for a gun that is almost 70 years old. Here's a pic as you requested.
 

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Grip Panel Markings

As you predicted, the right grip panel is stamped with a series of numbers. there are two rows of three #'s and the rows are offset from each other. The top row is 161 and the lower row is 269. Mean anything to you?
 
I'm sorry DWalt, I didn't read your reply very well. I followed the link you suggested and read about the markings I've found. That site is a wealth of info, thank you.
 
I have inherited a WWII S&W Victory 38 Special. It was issued to my wife's grandfather.
V589250
Has US property GHD
Smooth Walnut Grips
P V 589250 on the Cylinder
4" barrel
Parkerized finish.
P on frame right behind the Top strap.
Any information would be helpful

Thanks.
 
My Father-in-law got it from his father, and he gave it to me. He said is father was a pilot. I'm pretty sure it's all original. it needs a good cleaning.
 
I'll have to find out. I thought he was a Marine Pilot.

How does one get a letter for authenticity?
 
Marine pilots would have carried Navy revolvers. It is worthwhile to get a factory letter. See: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757825_-1_757814_757812_image

The letter will establish that the revolver was shipped to the Navy and will provide the exact date it left the factory. It won't tell you anything beyond that, such as to whom it was issued. The letter costs $50, but it is worth it if/when you ever decide to sell it.
 
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I have not a "what" question, but rather a "why". I am new to Victory Models and have read through this thread thoroughly. I may have missed the answer but here goes:

One of my Victories appears to be a typical Lend Lease with US Property and the GHD inspector's mark. As a Lend Lease item, it was expected or hoped that the revolver would eventually be returned to the United States. So I completely understand that mark. But if the revolver were going to the Allies then why did a US Army inspector need to affix his stamp as well?

Thanks in advance for answering such a basic question.

Doby Pilgrim
Santa Fe

PS
I have been lurking here off and on for years but only recently joined. Thanks also for such a great resource.
 
"As a Lend Lease item, it was expected or hoped that the revolver would eventually be returned to the United States"

There was probably no such expectation. For example, there were a great many .303 Enfield bolt action rifles made by Savage during the war, also with US Property stampings, for use by the British. I'm sure there was never any intent that such rifles would be returned to the US. In the same way, why would the US want a return of revolvers chambered in a non-US military cartridge? The Lend-Lease Act (1941) was primarily an act of subterfuge by President Roosevelt so that the US could maintain its neutrality status as it was legally not giving weapons to the British (and later other countries). However L-L continued all during the war, and the US property stampings continued even after the USA became an active combatant after December 7, 1941. I'm not exactly sure why this happened. Maybe someone else knows the reason for the continuation of L-L.

"But if the revolver were going to the Allies then why did a US Army inspector need to affix his stamp as well?"

Likely because armaments were being manufactured under US government procurement contracts and the armaments were technically the property of the USA. Virtually all items made under government contracts must be accepted by government insectors.
 
Yes, Roosevelt got around the Congressional budget process by using Lend Lease, so that we could funnel money without particular scrutiny into British and Commonwealth armies before we got into the war. Later it was just political expedience since we were Allies anyway.

It just seems the explanation might lie in the fact that the stamps were made, the inspecting officer was there, so let the production line roll. I guess I was hoping futilely for a more romantic explanation. At any rate I am happy to have my two. The Commonwealth spec revolver looks like it saw the Elephant, but my .38 Special 4 incher seems unissued and unfired. Neat guns and they are a nice contrast to each other.
Thanks very much for your time. Your thread and all your work here is a blessing to many. Me included.

Doby
"As a Lend Lease item, it was expected or hoped that the revolver would eventually be returned to the United States"

There was probably no such expectation. For example, there were a great many .303 Enfield bolt action rifles made by Savage during the war, also with US Property stampings, for use by the British. I'm sure there was never any intent that such rifles would be returned to the US. In the same way, why would the US want a return of revolvers chambered in a non-US military cartridge? The Lend-Lease Act (1941) was primarily an act of subterfuge by President Roosevelt so that the US could maintain its neutrality status as it was legally not giving weapons to the British (and later other countries). However L-L continued all during the war, and the US property stampings continued even after the USA became an active combatant after December 7, 1941. I'm not exactly sure why this happened. Maybe someone else knows the reason for the continuation of L-L.

"But if the revolver were going to the Allies then why did a US Army inspector need to affix his stamp as well?"

Likely because armaments were being manufactured under US government procurement contracts and the armaments were technically the property of the USA. Virtually all items made under government contracts must be accepted by government insectors.
 
Smith and Wesson V

Hi guys I have a Smith and Wesson Victory -well some mitr argue that-
It is a 38 sw serial v326201 it is rough but it is also very cool. All parts are matching # including the grips.
It underwent a FTR in 53 I believe. There is a 33 next to an up looking arrow along with the FTR markings
Has crown on frame under made in USA
P on butt
Big 101 in grip crotch
ord bomb U.S. property and G.H.D.
side ways NF on barrel -I think-on barrel next to frame not sure what mark is next to that then 3.8' ,767 ' 3.5 tons
has I believe crowns behind flutes in cylinder
feel free to add it data base
 
ALSO can yall help to identify it ? I think it is a 42 lend lease to Australia. Can yall help me out?
Thanks
Miles
 
S&W Victory

Hi guys, thanks in advance for your help. I have a S&W Victory revolver, with smooth walnut grip, 4" barrel, 38 S&W special, with lanyard loop. Serial # V160225. On the opposite side of the serial number is what looks like a flaming bomb. Any ideas what the year of production would be for this? Thanks again.
 
Hello PT:

According to the Victory Model Database your Victory likely shipped from the factory in the November, 1942 to February, 1943 time frame.

Hope that info is helpful to you.
 
Hi guys, thanks in advance for your help. I have a S&W Victory revolver, with smooth walnut grip, 4" barrel, 38 S&W special, with lanyard loop. Serial # V160225. On the opposite side of the serial number is what looks like a flaming bomb. Any ideas what the year of production would be for this? Thanks again.

If yours has no U. S. Property markings, it was likely made for stateside civilian use - police, defense plant guards, etc. Late 1942 is a reasonable shipping period.
 
victory model serial number look up

I have a victory model with sn # V174347 with N.Y.M.I.612
engraved on the left side of the frame. What year was it manufactured and what does N.Y.M.I.612 denote ? I would appreciate any info you can provide me
Thanks
Wayne G E
 
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