Victory data base

[dannybot]

Thanks Gooney, and Retarmyaviator

 

[zonker5]

Two more for the data base, V451323 and V474094 (this one also has a P stamped after the sn on the bottom of the barrel). Both are 4" barrelled, 38 specials.

Neither has a sn on the butt, one has "US Property" faintly on the top strap. I don't know if these were buffed off in the refinishing or not, the rest of the markings are clear and crisp.

Both are of similar history. In 1952 a German Police Chief showed up at an American base and turned over a number of these saying "we don't need them anymore". They were put on sale at the post rod and gun club for $15 each and these two were purchased. They have been in the family ever since.

They were sent to a German gunsmith who refinished them in bright blue and checkered the grips. Feels like the action was worked on a bit, too. They are both excellent shoters!

Any information on dob, etc would be appreciated!

-Z-

 

[LWCmdr45]

zonker5,

Based on the database, both of these probably shipped from the S&W factory in late 1943: V451323 in November and V474904 in December.

*Which* one has the "U.S. PROPERTY" top strap marking? (Both likely had the marking originally, before the refinishing.)

In this period, the "P" proof usually appears in three places: in addition to the underside of the barrel, which you've mentioned, there were probably "P" markings removed from the upper left of the frame and the rear of the cylinder.

The removal of the serial numbers from the butts was a major faux pas. While the numbers remain on the barrels and cylinders, it is the number on the *frame* (i.e., the butt) that is the true serial number.

Steve

 

[zonker5]

zonker5,

Based on the database, both of these probably shipped from the S&W factory in late 1943: V451323 in November and V474904 in December.

*Which* one has the "U.S. PROPERTY" top strap marking? (Both likely had the marking originally, before the refinishing.)

In this period, the "P" proof usually appears in three places: in addition to the underside of the barrel, which you've mentioned, there were probably "P" markings removed from the upper left of the frame and the rear of the cylinder.

The removal of the serial numbers from the butts was a major faux pas. While the numbers remain on the barrels and cylinders, it is the number on the *frame* (i.e., the butt) that is the true serial number.

Steve

V451323 has a faint "US Property" on the top strap. The markings on the barrel are also faint. V474094 has nothing on the top strap and the barrel marking are much crisper.

The P marking does appear on the rear of the cylinder. I agree about the sn but that was done a bit before my time .


-Z-

 

[LOBO]

This is one of the South African contract Pre-Victory models that made it to South Africa. The cylinder hasn't been altered, so it's in the original chambering of .38 S&W. There is a crown stamped on the frame below the cylinder on the right side of the gun. I don't have a picture of it, but there is also "BO" stamped at the bottom right of the right side grip.

 

[Hawat]

S&W pre-Victory?

6" barrel S&W revolver. At least related to Victory models.

Researching for my daughter-in-law's grandmother whose husband was a WWII and Korean War vet. They married in England during the war. He had collected 82 firearms of all descriptions and I am trying to catalog them.

Butt, inside right grip, barrel under extractor rod numbered: 730085.

Cylinder marked: V 164800 S.

Inside extractor star: 164800.

Canadian proof mark on butt; Upward arrow in side 'C'. Followed by 'P'.

Barrel right side: '38/380' stamped crudely, and '38 S.&W. CTG'.

Frame grip, right inside: Marks 'D' and 'B' plus 'OC' or 'CQ' or 'OO' overstruck, or links of chain?

Crane and number just below the crane recess are both: '65670'.

Cylinder parkerized, frame nicely blued. On right side: S&W trademark/logo + 'Made in USA' .

Checkered grips with apparently correct nickel S&W medallions.

I have many macro-focused pictures (large). I'll include two reduced in size here and more if useful. The inside grip marks are the ones I know least about.

 

[bullstone]

Help ID and add this V to database

l just acquired this snubbie and it is serial # V 374223 with no british stamps at all and 38 specials fit like a glove ,hope some experts here will guide me as to what I have and guide me to where to look for markings .
Thanks, Bullstone

 

[gordonrick]

Your barrel has been cut off and refinished. I'm willing to bet if you look inside the cylinders you will see a ring where it has been reamed for the .38 special cases. If it says .38 S&W CTG on the right side of the barrel, you probably have a British lend-ease pistol. On the left top-strap it should have a U.S. Property marking (or maybe machining marks where it was ground off)

I swear I just saw it's twin in a pawn shop near Atlanta last week. Hmm.

 

[bullstone]

gordonrick:
Thanks for the info ,I looked at the barrel side and top strap and found nothing as you stated probably ground off ,on the left side grip I found the letters V, S5 and 7.I have attached some more pictures of the cylinder and the left side for any additional comments you may be able to come up with.
Thanks Bullstone

 

[jetstuff]

Hi, just stumbled across this forum (researching a postwar USAF model 15-2) and had to join. I have several Victorys to add to your database. I can post pic's if you think they are needed. reply with your Email and I'll send you the rest of the serial #'s if you need them, I'm just a little uncomfortable with posting them ...Thank's in advance for any info you can provide.. John

1) V1763xx , 2" barrel (confirmed with factory letter), "UNITED STATES PROPERTY' marked top strap. I don't have the letter handy at the moment to see where the gun was shipped, but gun was purchased from vet who brought it home from Vietnam. ( I bought all his flight gear, VERY interesting individual, ex. USAF who flew various aircraft out of several bases in Thailand..)

2) V1794xx, 4" barrel, "US NAVY" marked top strap, unissued, one of 3 consecutive serial numbered guns that were brought home by a USN pilot who flew with VF-4 in WW2 ( he would only sell me one gun, so I don't know the other serials exactly...) No S&W letter yet on this gun.

3) V1642xx, 4" barrel, "U.S. Navy" marked top strap. Bought this gun and it's holster from another USN pilot along with his helmet, goggles, and several flight suits. ( he flew F6F Hellcats)

4) V84960, 5" barrel, 38 S&W, lend lease gun, "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" top strap, reimport, lots of british (?) proofs

 

[LWCmdr45]

Hawat,

You have an earlier (circa Jan., 1940) British Service Revolver frame/barrel that was originally chambered in .38 Smith & Wesson. It has been fit with a .38 Special cylinder cannibalized from a later Victory Model (SN V164800, circa Nov., 1942). You should have the owner check to see if there's a spare (original) cylinder anywhere to be found.

The "38/380" marking was applied after it left the factory in order for the British to identify it as being chambered for their standard .38 loading (called ".380" by the Brits) as opposed to the identical model revolvers that were also obtained in the non-standard .38 Special chambering.

The "B.O." marking found under the right stock panel is believed by some to indicate "British Order." The other markings under the stocks are irrelevant assembly marks used to keep parts together during final assembly.

Steve

 

[longjohnsilver]

victory model?

here it is and as far as i know still chambered for 38 s&w

v-486500

has british proof markings and parker hale front sight.

any more info you guys might have regarding this pistol would be great!

 

[gordonrick]

jetstuff,
Leave some out there for the rest of us! Nice collection!

Bullstone,
It's hard to tell from the small pics, but it looks like a "ream line" in your cylinder. You can verify by trying a .38 special round or case and see if it will fit. .38 Special lead is a few thousandths smaller than the .38 S&W, so you might have some accuracy issues (but probably not enough to worry about with a short barrel anyway). You will have bulged cases though.

 

[bullstone]

gordonrick:
Thanks for the comments I am looking forward to my day at the range with this V and will come back with ammo condition and poa results,
Thanks Bullstone

 

[Jim Welsh]

Here is one for the data base. Ser. #999013, 5" barell, .38 S&W

 

[O2Guy]

I just picked up a Victory Model and I'm looking for some information. It is a 5 inch barrel model, marked US Property CHD on the top strap. The barrel has .38 S&W CTG. The serial number is V 4202XX with the lanyard hole between the V and the number. The serial number is on the butt and barrel. The cylinder does not have the serial number and a .38 Special cartridge will chamber. Has the cylinder been machined to accept the Special and should it be safe to shoot modern .38 Special ammo (not +P's)?

Also, what would be the correct grips for this revolver? It has later K frame Magnas. I know they aren't what belong on it.

 

[Waidmann]

GHD (Col. Guy H. Drewry), try and see if the chambers will accept .38 S&W, although simple reaming was most common, sleeving, swapping and about everything happened. You still have a .361 barrel. Correct grips are smooth non-medallioned military (plowhandle style).

No +Ps, if it is a simple reaming expect bulged or split cases.

Best wishes,
former O-3 guy

 

[AABEN]

I have one would like some info V520739 it has stamp on right side made in the USA below that is TACSACCA That is what it look like to me but could be some diffrent for the last 5 letters is very hard to make out.

 

[LWCmdr45]

AABEN,

Your revolver, SN V520739, was probably manufactured in very late 1943 or early 1944. Ordinarily, I would venture to estimate that it shipped from the S&W factory in about Feb., 1944, but it may have sat on a shelf for one month or eight and shipped much later.

The stamping below the "MADE IN U.S.A." at the right side of the frame is probably an importer's mark, possibly "IACSACCO" for Import Arms Co. of Sacramento, Calif.

I presume your gun is a 5" barreled example chambered for the Brit's preferred .38 S&W (as marked on the right side of the barrel). What other markings are on the gun at the top strap, butt, barrel, etc.?

Steve

 

[AABEN]

Yes it is a 5in ____ Thanks Ben