Victory data base

[HoundDog316]

Another one for the database

Sorry it took me so long to contribute. This gun is all original with matching numbers, etc. 4" barrel, stocks have S/N stamped. Hopefully the pics clear up any questions about the markings. The only flaw is the flaming bomb imprint on the butt just before the V isn't complete, but it is clear to see what it is anyway. My info shows a date of 1942-1945. Not that I would sell it, but I estimate the value around $600-$800 due to excellent condition.

Hope this info helps. And btw, thanks for gathering & saving this information--so much has been lost, but an effort like yours can rebuild & recover that lost info. I wish you the very best!

 

[HoundDog316]

More pictures

Some clear shots of the S/N, etc.

 

[HoundDog316]

Markings

DWalt, Thanks for the site link--interesting. I wish I could find more info about the markings. For example, I'm pretty sure the flaming bomb was applied by some ordnance place, but would like to know who, where, & when. I'm sure I have that marking on at least one other gun in my collection, but it would take forever to find it. (Another mil gun, not a Smith)

On the other hand, there is a small circle with some "stuff" on top printed just before the U.S. Property mark. This looks factory to me, but I can find no mention of what it means. Just more mysteries for me to pursue before I'm dead & gone. These mysteries seem to be adding up--perhaps I should stop eating bacon...

 

[DWalt]

There's nothing unusual about the flaming bomb. Just another Ordnance acceptance stamp applied at the factory.

 

[hogcruz]

New here Hope i'm doing this right. 1st time poster. i've got 5in V 6516xx Smith Top of Barrel (bomb) U.S. property G.H.D.
Left Side-Barrel (Mark) 38 S&W CTG (mark)
left side frame TRADE MARK -made in U.S.A.
cylinder each bullet flute has BNP (plus) crown

Right side Barrel Smith & Wesson BNP (crown on top ) .38 .767" 3 1/2 Tons
Right frame BNP crown on top left top next to cylinder
P to the right of cylinder on frame left of trigger are crossed swords H left I center B right
Top of barrel S & W Springfield,Mass U.S.A
Feb 6.06 Sept 14,09, Dec 29,14
V 6516xx In all three place Match back of cylinder
has v 6516xx P
Checkered grips # right rear 313459 if they belong to
that Victory number i will trade
Gun in great shape seams all original parkerized finish any info. on ship date etc. would be appreciated

 

[ordnanceguy]

Hope this info helps. And btw, thanks for gathering & saving this information--so much has been lost, but an effort like yours can rebuild & recover that lost info. I wish you the very best!

Hounddog:

Thanks for your comments, and also for the good pics and complete serial number. We can't do much in the Database with partial serials or those with XXXs.

The "circle" marking on the left top strap is actually an Ordnance Dept. "shell and flame" insignia, or flaming bomb in common parlance. It signifies that the revolver has been inspected by an Army Ordnance inspector.

 

[hogcruz]

DWalt- Thanks for the timely input . The chambers are not rearmed ,and i'm almost positive finish is original. I,m Humbled, this piece of History found it"s way to me. A keeper for sure. Great info found on this Forum

 

[00formula6spd]

Wondering about this Victory. SN. V79544. approx year? Has U.S Govt property. I have not seen another with that on back strap. all numbers match ( frame, grip, ejector, barrel, cylinder) it is .38 S&W spl. Nothing on top strap. Gun is very tight lock up. Thanks!

 

[DWalt]

I can think of several possible reasons, but have no personal knowledge to substantiate them. As the revolver has no "United States Property" topstrap marking consistent with its mid-1942 SN, my best guess is that it was a DSC revolver procured for civilian guards at a government-owned defense plant. There were quite a few government-owned plants operated by contractors (GOCO), and plant guard forces may have been provided government-supplied weapons. One facility with which I am very familiar was the Indiana Ordnance Works (later operated under other names) near Louisville KY, which manufactured smokeless powder throughout WWII and even into the Vietnam era. Although it was a completely Army-owned facility (operated mainly by E. I. duPont during WWII), there were very few military personnel ever stationed there. And there was a large civilian guard force, as it covered an enormous land area. I know nothing about their armament however. But it's almost certain that it would have been U. S. property, not duPont's. Virtually every piece of equipment on the plant, large or small, was marked as being government property, with a property inventory number.

 

[00formula6spd]

Thank you sir! Its actually my sons and he is going to send off for the history.

 

[DWalt]

Likely there will be no information provided from S&W other than it was sent to the Defense Supply Corporation, along with a shipping date. Most WWII factory letters concerning Victories are not particularly helpful, but you never know.

 

[kwill1911]

Likely there will be no information provided from S&W other than it was sent to the Defense Supply Corporation, along with a shipping date.

Your experience must be different than mine. I own a few DSC guns and have seen dozens of letters and all of them specified the recipients. Not DSC but the Sheriff or Police Dept or defense plant that actually received the guns. The DSC had to authorize the shipment but, in most cases, I believe the guns were shipped directly from S&W to the authorized purchaser and the shipping records will reflect this. Below is one example.

 

[LOBO]

Here's the letter I received regarding my DSC Victory model,

 

[ordnanceguy]

Most WWII factory letters concerning Victories are not particularly helpful, but you never know.

I disagree. I find the WW2 Victory Model letters to be particularly interesting and helpful, and they are a primary source of information for the Victory Model Database. I have lettered almost all of the Victories in my own collection, and I always encourage other collectors to do the same.

 

[Professor Frink]

Just grabbed one at a local pawn shop for $300.

Looks to be parkerized, blue ejector rod.

US Navy on topstrap. It does not have a "P" marking on the frame as I expected.

Serial Number is V2218XX.

Looks to be in nice shape and mechanically sound. Only problem is the lanyard is missing and the grips (which don't match) appear to have been shellacked with a glitter based shellack...ugh. At least those are easy fixes.

 

[ordnanceguy]

Hello Professor:

Thanks for providing the info on your Navy Victory. You got a good buy there.

From the Victory Model Database it appears that your Victory likely shipped from the factory in the January, 1943 time frame. The P-proof markings on the upper left frame don't begin to show up on Navy-shipped Victory Models until about January, 1944.

Hope that info is helpful to you.

 

[StandardDeviation]

Friend's S&W

I am looking into the age of a friend's S&W
Here's the info on it.

SN: V25367
Left side of barrel: Smith & Wesson
Top of barrel: Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. Patented FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09.DEC.29.14
Right side of barrel: 38 S&W Special CTG
Right side: S&W trademark and MADE IN U.S.A

It has a nickel finish with what looks like fake stag horn stocks.

Thanks for any info in advance.

 

[DWalt]

I am looking into the age of a friend's S&W
Here's the info on it.

SN: V25367
Left side of barrel: Smith & Wesson
Top of barrel: Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. Patented FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09.DEC.29.14
Right side of barrel: 38 S&W Special CTG
Right side: S&W trademark and MADE IN U.S.A

It has a nickel finish with what looks like fake stag horn stocks.

Thanks for any info in advance.

That SN would date shipment from mid-1942 (probably June-July). Without U. S. property markings, it likely was intended for stateside use by law enforcement or defense plant security. Neither the nickel plated finish nor the grips are original. It would have little to no collector value as it is not in original condition. But it may well be a very good shooter.

 

[TontoKowalski]

Just bought my first Smith & Wesson revolver this last weekend at a gun show. The seller had it marked as a model 10 and it had a set of Hogues on it. I looked at it long enough that the dealer spontaneously came down $60 on the already ridiculously low price. I got it home and took off the grips to find a SN of V236042. A little attention and some oil has cleaned it up nicely and you can clearly see Navy property marks on the topstrap, though they are fairly light to the naked eye in regular light. Another member has already set me up with some correct grips and maybe a lanyard ring. Couldn't be happier.

I do have to take some better photos of it though.

 

[DWalt]

Just bought my first Smith & Wesson revolver this last weekend at a gun show. The seller had it marked as a model 10 and it had a set of Hogues on it. I looked at it long enough that the dealer spontaneously came down $60 on the already ridiculously low price. I got it home and took off the grips to find a SN of V236042. A little attention and some oil has cleaned it up nicely and you can clearly see Navy property marks on the topstrap, though they are fairly light to the naked eye in regular light. Another member has already set me up with some correct grips and maybe a lanyard ring. Couldn't be happier.

I do have to take some better photos of it though.

There are several Victories known having SNs fairly close to yours which shipped in February 1943, and there are many Navy-marked specimens known around that SN. So yours is likely original. Smooth grips and lanyard rings are not too hard to find and not expensive. That's a great item to find at a "ridiculously low price."