US Navy Victory

[Mjk42]

Hello! I am looking at buying a SW Victory model SN V60XXX that is in good condition and marked U.S. Navy on the left top strap. 4in barrel and serial number would seem to match navy contract. What is making me question is the "U.S. Navy" on the top is red letter which I have not seen in a top strap marking. The side plate "red letter" marking is a different variation that I am familiar with. Any thoughts? Maybe a real navy model victory that a prior owner tried to make "more desirable" with fake red marking?

Thank you!

 

[diyj98]

I've owned a few Navy marked ones, but never seen one with red lettering. My guess would be someone just wanted it to stand out like some use white paint or markers of some kind.

 

[charlie sherrill]

I've owned a few Navy marked ones, but never seen one with red lettering. My guess would be someone just wanted it to stand out like some use white paint or markers of some kind.

All you have to do is take a red crayon out of your kids crayon box, color in the lettering, and wipe off the excess wax. I do it with white crayons when I want to highlight some kind of marking. It doesn't hurt anything and is easy to take off.

 

[DWalt]

What do you mean by side plate red letter marking? Is that the S&W logo?

 

[Mjk42]

What do you mean by side plate red letter marking? Is that the S&W logo?

I was referring to the navy variation that is marked "property of U.S. Navy" in red lettering on the left side frame. I believe this was more so seen in a second navy contract? The earlier models have just U.S. Navy on the left top strap.

 

[DWalt]

That was typically seen engraved on the left side of the frame, not on the side plate. But as the engraving was not originally done at the S&W factory, it could have just as well been done on the right side plate. No one seems to know with certainty why, where, and when those engravings were applied, but some believe it was done only on certain revolvers which were sent to the Mare Island shipyard. And it is possible it could be a fake engraving done much later. Given the uncertainty surrounding the engraving's origin, there will be differences of opinion as to whether it adds to or detracts from the revolver's value. Do you have additional knowledge? If a historical letter indicates it was originally sent to Mare Island that might help substantiate the Mare Island theory.

 

[Mjk42]

I see how my first post was confusing. The one I am looking at has ONLY the U.S. Navy marking on the left top strap. It is in red lettering which threw me off because the only other variation I have seen with red lettering was other victory revolvers with the red lettering on the left side of the revolver. As I figured it seems that it was just painted later to highlight the stamping. If I buy it I will get the smith and Wesson factory letter to Lear more. I appreciate everyone's expertise!