Seeking information on an old US Property marked 38

[sbeduckman]

Picked this little beauty up today and am seeking information. SN is 894330. It is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" on top of the cylinder. The flaming bomb is present on the bottom of the grip. Made in the USA on right side of the frame. Left side of frame has crossed swords with a 1, 2, and 8. Left side of frame by barrel has a cartouche of some sort with BNP stamped underneath. Same cartouche and letters on cylinder behind each flute. Barrel has same BNP and cartouche along with .38 .767' and 3 1/2 tons. Top of barrel has patent dates of Feb 6, 06 Sept 14, 09 and Dec 29 14.

It will not chamber a 38 special, but will chamber 38 s&w (has not been reamed). Grips appear original, but are not numbered. Obviously, she is in pretty rough shape, but appears to be fully functional and the cylinder locks up pretty tight.

The story I was told is it was issued during WWII and carried in England during that exchange. That's all I have. This is not my realm of expertise and just wanted more information from the knowledgable people here. Thanks in advance. The pictures aren't great, but are about all I can do at the moment.

 

[sbeduckman]

 

[sbeduckman]

BTW: serial number on cylinder and barrel match the frame.

WB inspector stamp on butt as well. Looks to be a pre-victory 5" sent overseas as a "lend/lease" operation?

Upon further review; the grips are stamped, but they do not appear to match.

 

[DWalt]

Yours likely dates from late 1941, before the V-prefix "Victory" series started in early 1942. Those were made for the British Commonwealth, and yours seems to be correct, save the missing lanyard swivel, which can be replaced. It is very good that the chambers have not been reamed to accept the .38 Special cartridge. The stampings are proof stampings, made prior to release of these revolvers to the civilian market after WWII. The "United States Property" stamping indicates that it is a lend-lease weapon. It was later shortened to "U. S. Property."

 

[sbeduckman]

Thank you. Seems to be a bunch of information on these....I'm reading and learning. I know value is a tricky question with a gun like this, especially just looking at pictures. I would be curious as to what folks here would value a gun like this at (ballpark at roughly 60-70% condition). There is some old pitting and signs of rust. The bore is pretty clean and bright though. I'm not a collector of these, just picked this one up because I think I got a very good price on it.

 

[DWalt]

In the present insane seller's market, it is difficult to value anything very accurately. Certainly at least $300 retail (assuming originality and completeness) and it could easily be higher depending upon how it is sold and where. You should get a replacement lanyard loop. WB means Waldemar Bromberg. Used up to, approximately, SN V145000

 

[sbeduckman]

Another question: I'm probably going to sell this so somebody can appreciate it more than I do. Would it be worthwhile to have it refinished? I'm well aware that generally this is frowned upon, but this one is in dire need.

 

[DWalt]

No. Fight the urge.