Victory data base

Pre-Victory Info Aussie

Hi guys. Pre-Victory SN 991100, UNITED STATES PROPERTY on frame top. WB inspection, ordnance bomb on butt. Matching butt, ejector, cylinder, barrel SNs. Crane and frame match. 38-.200 (.38 special will not chamber, not bored out). Original, 5” barrel. Aussie DD arrow, FTR/MA55 on right front frame (Lithgow 1955 refurb, parkerized). Mismatched but numbered USGI grips. Vega SAC CA (Vega, Sacramento CA importer) left frame above trigger. Late 80s import? Any info appreciated.
 
jonnyc said:
Any more info on my Victory...above, post #2638?
Click to expand...

Hello Jonnyc:

In this serial range with the absence of any property, proof, inspection or acceptance markings the chances are good that your revolver V12043 was either (a) a gun shipped under DSC authorization to a civilian destination or (b) a U.S. Maritime Commission gun. That's about all that can be said short of what might be revealed by a letter from the S&WHF.

Regards,
Charlie
 
Thanks for a. and b.
So the June-August 1942 time-frame is still valid?
And I'm not clear on what the "U.S. Maritime Commission" was. Would that be for pistols delivered to the Merchant Marine?
 
Very disappointing. I didn't discover that the cylinder/extractor screw had come loose and the pistol kept jamming. Next visit should be MUCH better.
Thanks for all the help.
 
Victory V442310

Hi,

I am new to S&W, but have an opportunity to buy a few Victory models. The one above is closest and likely the best price point for me based on condition and other factors (not marked “Navy”, and no proven provenance). Can you tell me anything based on the serial number?

Thank you in advance for your time, attention, and keeping the database active - so very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Cyril
 
ccmeans said:
Hi,

I am new to S&W, but have an opportunity to buy a few Victory models. The one above is closest and likely the best price point for me based on condition and other factors (not marked “Navy”, and no proven provenance). Can you tell me anything based on the serial number?
Click to expand...

Hello Cyril:

Welcome to the forum.

All I can tell you based upon the single data point of the serial number is that it likely shipped in late 1943 or early 1944.

Please help us to help you. To be able to further diagnose the Victory in question we need to know: the caliber; the barrel length; any left top strap markings; any markings on the butt other than the serial number; the finish type; the stock type; and any post-factory markings or modifications. Pictures certainly help. With that additional information we can probably tell you more about the revolver in question.

Regards,
Charlie
 
Arisaka99 said:
Does anyone have any info on DSC pistols in this range? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Thank you for both the welcome and the information. I would attach a photo, but I don’t know if that is possible. It is chambered in .38 Special and is a 4” barrel. All of the numbers match and it has smooth walnut original wood grips. There is no “US Navy” on the top strap. I hope that is helpful. Thanks again.
 
6” Pre-Victory info

Hi again folks. New to me pre-Victory S&W M&P, 6” barrel, Canadian C-arrow proofed, SN 735384 in original blue. Matching barrel and cylinder. Silver medallion checkered grips. Other markings include 38/380, Crown BNP on all cylinders and frame, and overload pressure on the barrel. This makes it a ‘41 Canadian contract surplussed later from England? What size holster fits the 6” barrel? Any additional info deeply appreciated. Thanks!
 
ccmeans said:
Thank you for both the welcome and the information. I would attach a photo, but I don’t know if that is possible. It is chambered in .38 Special and is a 4” barrel. All of the numbers match and it has smooth walnut original wood grips. There is no “US Navy” on the top strap. I hope that is helpful. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Hello again, Cyril:

Thank for the additional information. With no left top strap markings and no additional marks on the butt, I am unable to provide you with further information. It is likely that your revolver V442310 was not military issue, which means that it was probably DSC issue or perhaps U.S. Maritime Commission issue. A SWHF letter would be the only certain way to determine a shipping destination given the absence of definitive markings.

Regards,
Charlie
 
Last edited:
Arisaka99 said:
Hi again folks. New to me pre-Victory S&W M&P, 6” barrel, Canadian C-arrow proofed, SN 735384 in original blue. ... This makes it a ‘41 Canadian contract surplussed later from England? What size holster fits the 6” barrel? Any additional info deeply appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Yes, correct. Your revolver likely shipped to Canada in February, 1941.

As for the holsters used by the Canadians the standard P-37 pattern was first used for the 6" guns. This created a poor fit resulting in occasional placement of a strap that would allow the flap to be closed. Again, this halfway measure was unsatisfactory.

Finally, a larger web holster generally similar to the P-37 pattern but with a curved flap was adopted. It would carry the 6" guns as well as the large frame .455 guns that were still in occasional use by some Canadian soldiers. A photo of the latter holster made in 1943 in Canada is shown below, along with the accompanying ammunition case.



I hope this answers your questions.

Regards,
Charlie
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Is this a Victory model and other questions?
Replies
16
Views
4K
Sub sailor
S
D
S&W Pre-Victory
Replies
17
Views
5K
winstonsmith84
W
blockislander
New Victory Model
Replies
4
Views
2K
blockislander
blockislander
D
A couple of victories for the data base
Replies
1
Views
807
LWCmdr45
L
P
New acquisitions by a new member....
Replies
12
Views
2K
PistolPackinDaDa
P

Latest posts

Back
Top