S&W Victory model serial number lookup
- Thread starter rlee1976
- Start date
Hi guys, just joined the forum. I recently inherited a 38 special ctg 4" barrel. serial # is V 505876. This gun has no lanyard loop or hole. No stamping on the top plate, it does not have the original grips. Did they sell a civilian model of this gun?
DWalt
Member
That SN would have probably shipped from the factory in very early 1944. There were numerous examples of .38 S&W Special Victory revolvers from WWII which are found unmarked. Most of those were purchased through the Defense Supply Corporation (DSC) for non-military use such as allocation to defense plant security guard use or for civil law enforcement personnel. But there were also other unmarked revolvers made for issue to the OSS or the U. S. Maritime Commission. All wartime Victories that I am aware of did have lanyard swivels on the butt. However, sometimes the swivel has been removed and the hole in the butt for the swivel will be found plugged. A factory letter would be required to establish where yours was first sent.
DWalt
Member
It's nice looking, but the original finish was not blued but a dull phosphate. And the grips are not original. While it is probably an excellent shooter, being non-original it has little value to a collector.
mr-mom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Good Morning
I recently received, from a relative, a Victory Model SN V645122. It is a 4", blue finish, lanyard hole in the butt, with no other distinguishing marks that I have identified. The "V" in the serial number on the butt is separated from the actual number by approximately 3/4". Can you give me an approximate ship date?
Thank you
Dave
SWCA #2778
I recently received, from a relative, a Victory Model SN V645122. It is a 4", blue finish, lanyard hole in the butt, with no other distinguishing marks that I have identified. The "V" in the serial number on the butt is separated from the actual number by approximately 3/4". Can you give me an approximate ship date?
Thank you
Dave
SWCA #2778
DWalt
Member
Likely July or August 1944.
mr-mom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Thank you for your prompt response!
Dave
Dave
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I would like as much info on this Victory as possible. I am sending pics as well with markings and numbers to the email you posted earlier. 4", US Property GHD, V715722, P, 38 S&W Special CTG,
ordnanceguy
Member
Email reply with info sent to you. I hope that it is helpful to you.
I have a chance to trade for a Victory model. What I am wondering if any Victory models shipped with a nickle finish? This one is a nickle finish. I've only seen the pics so can't say anything else about it except ser# V5630XX, flaming bomb stamp and he says it is 38 special caliber.
digi-shots
Member
DWalt
Member
No. Someone had it nickeled. I'd avoid unless at a good price, maybe $300 or less, purely as a shooter.
grampagunz
Member
victory
I recently bought a 38 S&W 2" barrel Victory revolver. Serial number is v143595 on butt, rear face of cylinder and rear of yoke seen through cylinder hole. No lanyard in open hole. Finish is parkerized or similar. Marked "United States Property on left top strap. Previous owner had ejector rod replaced by S&W. Stamped BNP beneath a crown between front of cylinder and barrel and at rear of each cylinder flute. Left side of frame has crossed swords and H B 2. W.E and flaming bomb on butt as well as the letter p. I assume the barrel has been changed as it has no markings other than 95 on bottom above ejector rod. Non standard checkered plastic diamond grips. Can you provide any info on this old beauty?
I recently bought a 38 S&W 2" barrel Victory revolver. Serial number is v143595 on butt, rear face of cylinder and rear of yoke seen through cylinder hole. No lanyard in open hole. Finish is parkerized or similar. Marked "United States Property on left top strap. Previous owner had ejector rod replaced by S&W. Stamped BNP beneath a crown between front of cylinder and barrel and at rear of each cylinder flute. Left side of frame has crossed swords and H B 2. W.E and flaming bomb on butt as well as the letter p. I assume the barrel has been changed as it has no markings other than 95 on bottom above ejector rod. Non standard checkered plastic diamond grips. Can you provide any info on this old beauty?
DWalt
Member
Likely March-April 1944
DWalt
Member
Probably from about November 1942. It sounds very much like a chopped .38/200 BSR, having a 2" barrel as you describe. They didn't come that way from the factory.
Immense numbers of surplus S&W .38/200 revolvers were imported in the 1950s and 1960s and "chopped and bored" for better marketability in the USA, where they were sold mail order at prices in the $30 range. Barrels were cut off to 2" and 3" lengths, .38 S&W chambers were bored out to accept .38 Special cartridges, they were re-finished or plated, and replacement grips added (any or all of those atrocities). Consequently, they have no collector value, and are worth only whatever someone will pay for a shooter.
The BNP markings were proof markings applied in England prior to release by the British government for civilian sale. "United States Property" (or later "U. S. Property") topstrap stampings on these indicated Lend-Lease supply to allied countries, mainly the British Commonwealth.
grampagunz
Member
Thank you for the information. This one hasn't been rebored as it won't accept 38 specials. I only paid shooter price but just couldn't let it get away as it feels so good in hand. Should be a great way to burn up some old ammo. I thank you for your expertise.
mr-mom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Linda:
I only had the Victory in my hands for a short time and did not notice a US Property marking. Will have it back again this weekend and will check it over more carefully.
Dave
SWCA #2778
