S&W Victory Navy Revolver

[Noire 6684]

I have another question for anyone who can help. I am new to the forum and new to collecting S&W revolvers. I have the chance to get a nice nickle plated Victory revolver that was US Navy issued. The revolver is a low 5 digit serial number: V71340. All numbers are matching it has smooth wood grips, a lanyard at the bottom of the grips and is marked U.S. Navy on the top of the barrel. The condition of the revolver is very good, most of the nickle plating is still intact and in great condition. Can anyone tell me what the approx. value is? I have the chance to trade a Taurus PT 145 for this revolver. Is this a rare piece? Does the fact that it has a 5 digit serial number make it better? And finally, is this a WWII era model? Any information will be greatly appreciated. I will be picking it up this weekend if it is a good deal.

 

[Texas Star]

Just forget it. Quickly! Even your Taurus is worth more than a nickled Victory Model.

If it hadn't been altered and was in nice shape, I might make that trade. As-is? Go look for another gun, perhaps a commecial M&P in original blue finish or put the money into a stainless M-64, if you're looking for a practical using gun of that general type.

If you're looking to collect US martial arms, do a LOT more research before buying one. The first, really simple, rule is to avoid any that have been altered beyond original configuration. If you see nickle plate, RUN, don't walk, away from that "deal." Worn nickle plating? Run faster!

Oh: REAL Navy- issued guns aren't marked as such on the barrel. The stamp, if present, is on the top strap over the cylinder. There may also be an inspector's stamp, like GHD.

The only acceptable finish is the original flat gray one, called Midnight Black by the factory.

 

[BSA]

A must have is Blue Blue of Gun Values.

 

[Texas Star]

A must have is Blue Blue of Gun Values.

BSA-

That's Blue BOOK of Gun Values. And buy at least one or two S&W reference books or Boothroyd's , "The Handgun".

 

[Noire 6684]

My mistake, the marking was on the top strap, but your saying the nickle finish was added? Original finish only blue?
Thank you very much for the information!!

 

[scooter123]

FYI, the Victory Navy is one of the most counterfeited firearms in all of gun collecting. In fact some are so well done that they can even fool the experts. Yours is NOT one of those expert counterfeits.

First strike is the embossing on the barrel, if it's not on the top strap it's guaranteed to be a fake. Second strike is that nickle finish. Every single Victory model produced was either Blued Steel or black Parkerizing. That nickle finish has COMPLETELY destroyed any value as a collectable.

What remains is the intrinsic value as a revolver to be shot. Due to it's age and the potential for rusting in the barrel and in the lockwork that value will be rather low. I would estimate on todays market it's worth between 100 and 150 bucks.

 

[Retired W4]

Invest in C. W. Pate's book on US Handguns of WW II for revolvers and Clawson's book for .45 pistols, and read them before you squander any more money. Good luck.

 

[Goony]

Every single Victory model produced was either Blued Steel or black Parkerizing.

Save for the postwar commercials, I haven't yet seen a blued Victory model that would letter as such. For all practical purposes, every wartime production Victory came with a phosphate finish.

 

[alwslate]

Nickel plated Navy Victory model? I agree with the others; run the
other way. Who would do such a thing to an old warrior anyhoo?

 

[Noire 6684]

Thank you all for the good information, I intend to order a couple of the books you recommended. It is a shame that people refinish these old guns. I am sure they do it with good intentions but the end result is the same. You saved me from making a mistake!

 

[DWalt]

Might make a good shooter if it's tight and you can get it cheaply. $150 would be my top dollar. One other thing to look for is that it's not one of the very similar British S&W models originally chambered for .38/200 that has been rechambered for .38 Special. They are easy to spot if you know what to look for. And worth even less. Lots of pitfalls for the uninformed and un-knowing.