Victory data base

[old tanker]

Another relic of the British empire

Here is a reasonably early gun, serial 881544 would suggest late 1941 production. Marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" would indicate it is a Lend-Lease gun. The proofs are Australian and it underwent "Factory Thorough Repair" in 1954. (The cartridges shown are loaded with the NEI #169A bullet which is supposed to duplicate the 38-200)

 

[lamarw]

old tanker, Can you share your source for the NEI #169A bullets you referenced? I found one source thru Google by the name of Matt's Bullets. I might be interested in loading some up since I already reload .38 S&W with 145 grain powder coated bullets. It would be interesting to have something more akin to the original. Thanks~

 

[DWalt]

Here is a reasonably early gun, serial 881544 would suggest late 1941 production. Marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" would indicate it is a Lend-Lease gun. The proofs are Australian and it underwent "Factory Thorough Repair" in 1954.

Interesting, as that is the lowest Pre-V SN on my list documented as having the United States Property stamp on the topstrap. And it would indeed have shipped in late 1941. I have asked several times if anyone knows exactly when the property stamping started.

 

[old tanker]

old tanker, Can you share your source for the NEI #169A bullets you referenced? I found one source thru Google by the name of Matt's Bullets. I might be interested in loading some up since I already reload .38 S&W with 145 grain powder coated bullets. It would be interesting to have something more akin to the original. Thanks~

The lead pot in the garage and recycled wheel weights. I've had that mould for maybe thirty years. I don't know of any commercial casters that cast a similar bullet.

NEI Handtools, Inc

 

[DWalt]

Western Bullets lists a 200 grain .360" bullet. Not the same profile as used for .38 S&W. See: Lyman #358430 200 gr.

 

[old tanker]

Interesting, as that is the lowest Pre-V SN on my list documented as having the United States Property stamp on the topstrap. And it would indeed have shipped in late 1941. I have asked several times if anyone knows exactly when the property stamping started.

Lend-Lease was enacted in March of 1941. How long it took to set up the bureaucracy, I don't know. I imagine that S&W still had contracts to fill, e.g., South Africa and England, before Lend-Lease production blocks began. Even then, I think I've read here there were some guns in the late 41 early 42 time period that were not marked.

 

[Absalom]

Lend-Lease was enacted in March of 1941. How long it took to set up the bureaucracy, I don't know. I imagine that S&W still had contracts to fill, e.g., South Africa and England, before Lend-Lease production blocks began. Even then, I think I've read here there were some guns in the late 41 early 42 time period that were not marked.

It is unlikely that the contracts of the British Purchasing Commission simply stopped with the enactment of Lend-Lease. The BPC officially existed until 1942, so there must have been items to purchase and contracts to continue.

 

[lamarw]

These are the .38 S&W Bullets listed by Matt's Bullets. I just found this site last night. 38 Cal. (38 S&W) : Matts Bullets

 

[DWalt]

"Even then, I think I've read here there were some guns in the late 41 early 42 time period that were not marked. "

That's what Pate says, but no details are provided. My guess is that there was a transition period during the late months of 1941 and the early months of 1942 during which some military revolvers (mainly .38/200s) had the property stamp and some did not.

 

[USMC0802]

V487360 - 4" .38 Special. "W" stamped on butt, along with small flaming bomb. No property marks.

I intend to order a letter on this one - has any more information come to light regarding "W" stamps and OSS shipment?

 

[ordnanceguy]

That is the lowest Pre-V SN on my list documented as having the United States Property stamp on the topstrap....I have asked several times if anyone knows exactly when the property stamping started.

Pre-Victory Models in .38 S&W with the left top strap marking of "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" have been observed with serial numbers below 800,000.

 

[ordnanceguy]

Has any more information come to light regarding "W" stamps and OSS shipment?

Yes.

Your Victory will not letter as an OSS shipped gun. Nonetheless, please don't let that fact discourage you from seeking a factory letter. There were many other interesting destinations for Victories in this serial number range.

 

[USMC0802]

Thanks Charlie. Has it been determined what that "W" means?

 

[43SAM1]

New to me Victory

Picked up my new to me Victory this am! Need help dating her V445677 please.I do not know how to post photos sorry!! Also unsure about the front sight. 5" barrel with a dove tail front sight? It is stamped Australia as well as FTR /MA54? Thanks for any & all info!!

 

[DWalt]

Picked up my new to me Victory this am! Need help dating her V445677 please.I do not know how to post photos sorry!! Also unsure about the front sight. 5" barrel with a dove tail front sight? It is stamped Australia as well as FTR /MA54? Thanks for any & all info!!

FTR=Factory Thorough Repair (rebuilt). MA is the rebuild location (I don't know what it is) and 54 is 1954. Your SN would indicate shipment around October 1943. I doubt the front sight is original as it wouldn't have left S&W that way.

 

[Ron M.]

I plan on getting a factory letter for my Victory...I can't seem to find a download link for the form. Thanks.

 

[ordnanceguy]

I plan on getting a factory letter for my Victory...I can't seem to find a download link for the form. Thanks.

Ron:

Here you go. http://smith-wessonforum.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=17

Once you get your letter please post back here to share what the letter says.

 

[hankjeff]

In looking very carefully at the butt, I do see an indication of a plugging (of a lanyard hole?).
No number on the barrel at all, even when the cylinder and its pin are swung out of the way.
The junction of the forward end of the frame and the barrel do show a possible joining line that might be the result of re-barreling. Of course that would also mean replacing the cylinder (if the pistol originally was for the 38/200 British caliber). It shoots very nicely w/.38spcl now.
Thanks for your input.

 

[43SAM1]

just gotta find out about the front sight???

 

[Absalom]

FTR=Factory Thorough Repair (rebuilt). MA is the rebuild location (I don't know what it is) and 54 is 1954. ........

According to Pate, MA stands for "Munitions Australia" and is supposed to denote the Lithgow arms factory. Although he seems less than certain (he uses the phrase "..is stated to be..."), it makes sense since Lithgow, in operation since 1912, has been and continues to be a major manufacturer for the Australian military. Here you can read about its history:

Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum