US PROPERTY MARK?

[Citiboy289]

Anyone has any info in this type of US Property mark and second Seriel Number on a victory?

 

[murphydog]

The stampings are not in the typical typeface or position for the Victory Model. Is this a 4" .38 Special or a 5" .38 S & W, and can you show or describe any other stampings, such as other U.S. Property marks and a partial serial number, like V 123xxx?

 

[Ballarat]

Picture somewhat unclear, tried to enhance, think it may read
US armoury the number could be anything from a refurbish job number to a possible rack number. More info required on what the numbers and stampings on other parts of the gun are. Do the V numbers match on the barrel under the ejector rod rear of cylinder and butt. What length barrel, cartridge designation on the right side of the barrel. Property markings on the left top strap. More pics of these would help.

 

[Citiboy289]

The stampings are not in the typical typeface or position for the Victory Model. Is this a 4" .38 Special or a 5" .38 S & W, and can you show or describe any other stampings, such as other U.S. Property marks and a partial serial number, like V 123xxx?

The piece is currently an active auction and some boards do not allow posting active auction links Since i am new I dont want to violate and rules , here is the info I can comprise, it is a 4 inch , parkerized 38 spl, I do note see the standard "P" mark on the top by the hammer, There does nto appear to be any import marks The SN range is V762xx , has smooth grips, The pictures do not show any cyliners marks or other numbers Thanks for any info you can give

 

[Citiboy289]

S&W Victory Opinions

I have been looking at a gunbroker auction #176897125 Which is a strangly marked US Property , another member suggested I Place the auction number and maybe someone else would have some additional knowledge Thanks in advance

 

[Citiboy289]

S&W VICTORY BACK TO TOP

Any ideas about this marking , GB AUCTION #176897125 Victory?

 

[walnutred]

OK, After looking at the pictures here is my unqualified opinion. IT looks refinished and I bet the grips did not originally come with the gun. Someone trying to fake markings would do a better job. I expect those markings were stamped on by an Unit Armorer somewhere along the way. His Lieutenant noticed that the 1911A1's in inventory had US Property markings and told him to mark the revolver the same way.

 

[ordnanceguy]

Citi:

The revolver does not appear to me to be re-finished, although making that judgment is always dicey when relying upon photos as crummy as those shown by the seller. The stocks are the correct type, but are probably replacements since they do not appear to fit well.

The "US Property" marking is not a marking placed on the gun at the factory. It is an unusual style and is in an unusual location. There is no way today for anyone to tell when, where and why that marking was applied. If you want a US Property-marked Victory my advice is to get one with the factory markings and don't gamble on a gun that will always have to be explained away. There are a lot of nice, original Victory Models out there so don't settle for an example with obvious frailties.

HTH.

 

[opoefc]

I agree with Charlie's comments above, and offer the two following conjectures: (1) The gun is a Defense Supply Co. gun ( Guard Gun) shipped to a civilian destination by S&W. After WW2 the gun was donated by the civilian recepient ( war plant?) to an ROTC or National Guard unit, and was stamped US Property by the armorer, or (2) a Reserve or Guard unit purchased the gun from a war plant after WW2, and then stamped it. I mention the latter event, as I was a member of the Calif. National Guard just after WW2, and was provided funds from my unit's recreational money to buy small arms for recreational hunting and plinking while training in Death Valley locations. These purchases were then stamped "U.S.Property." I bought .22 rifles, pistols and shotguns. We already had all the Victory models we needed, so I didn't buy anymore, however some units might have wanted Victory Models, for what ever reason. Ed #15

 

[Citiboy289]

Thank you everyone for your knowledge and responses !!!!!!! I know there are some really nice ones out there and have missed a few by only a few dollars at auctions, I just thought this one was interesting , Again thank you all for your time and responses