Victory data base

[DWalt]

V129933 indeed would have likely shipped in October 1942. I show some having very close SNs which have the "U.S. NAVY" topstrap stamping. Does yours?
December 1942 would fit as the shipping date for SN V166938.

 

[joz]

V129933 indeed would have likely shipped in October 1942. I show some having very close SNs which have the "U.S. NAVY" topstrap stamping. Does yours?

Yes, my #129933 has the "U.S. NAVY" topstrap stamping

 

[1srelluc]

4"

.38 special.

No top strap markings.

P on frame, under barrel, and rear of cylinder.

Matching serials on frame, barrel, cylinder.

Serial V 359074 that includes a horizontal W in front of the V.

HE-M back-strap marking.

It had target stocks on it that I replaced with a set of Cogswell & Harrison V-M stocks I had.

 

[Muley Gil]

Got my letter

Picked up a Victory today. Blued, 4" .38 special, post 1968 Magnas. Serial number V20210, all to the right of the lanyard loop, which is present. No topstrap markings. All number (except grips, of course) match.

Any idea where it may have shipped and shouldn't it have a Park-type finish? I'll try and post pictures later this weekend.

Poor quality indoor pictures added:

Got my letter today, 25 August 2016. Post # 1484.

 

[Absalom]

Picked up a Victory today. Blued, 4" .38 special, post 1968 Magnas. Serial number V20210, all to the right of the lanyard loop, which is present. No topstrap markings. All number (except grips, of course) match.

Any idea where it may have shipped and shouldn't it have a Park-type finish? I'll try and post pictures later this weekend.

It is most likely a DSC contract gun, although acc. to Pate there were some early ones (your serial number puts it most likely in late spring/early summer 1942) that went to the Navy also unmarked; only a letter could tell you for sure.

At that serial, the finish should definitely be phosphate; a regular blue would indicate a refinish.

 

[archibaldal]

Victory 38 S&W

I found this in my dad's stuff many years ago, got it out about a year ago. Movable parts were difficult to move. I was advised to spray with cleaner / lubricant and "work it". All moves freely, have put a few rounds of 38 S&W LRN -- sweet to fire.

No info on where my dad got the gun.

Finish appears black, showing some wear and a few scratches.

Serial Number: V418381 with 5" barrel
Matching Serial Number on Revolver
Serial number on Frame: 72233
Left side of barrel: SMITH & WESSON
Left side of Frame just in front of revolver: 38/380
Top left flat above revolver: 8 U S PROPERTY G H D - (8 may be a symbol)
Top of barrel: SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS, U.S.A.
Top, second row: PATENTED FEB. 6. 06, SEPT. 14. 09, DEC 29, 14
Top of Frame near barrel: P that's an underscored "P"
Directly behind hammer: Same Symbol = Underscored "P"
Right side of Barrel near Frame: ## #9 NP -- (# is illegible symbol)
Right side of barrel: # 38 S & W CTG # -- (# is symbol)
Right side on Frame below hammer: S&W Logo/Trade Mark
Right Side on frame towards front: MADE IN U.S.A.
Right side above Made in USA: M&P ENGLISH MAPE - (all hard to read)
Interesting Symbol above "S" in USA
Lanyard Attachment Hole
Checkered Walnut Grips with S&W Inserts(may not be original, inexact fit)

I have attempted to insert photos, however, no luck yet.

Info provided for your Victory Database. Any info you know appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Muley Gil]

Bad pictures added to post # 1269.

 

[Absalom]

Bad pictures added to post # 1269.

Are you familiar with the standard phosphate finish of the Victory, as in, have you seen it on other confirmed original guns? The finish on the gun in the pictures you posted, at least in terms of surface texture, looks original to me, although the very disadvantageous lighting allows basically no impression of the color. So when you call it "blued", how does it compare to a standard pre-war Carbonia blue or post-war matte blue finish?

 

[Muley Gil]

Are you familiar with the standard phosphate finish of the Victory, as in, have you seen it on other confirmed original guns? The finish on the gun in the pictures you posted, at least in terms of surface texture, looks original to me, although the very disadvantageous lighting allows basically no impression of the color. So when you call it "blued", how does it compare to a standard pre-war Carbonia blue or post-war matte blue finish?

Yes, I've seen a number of Victories that had finishes similar to the revolvers in posts # 1262 and # 1268. Whoever refinished mine did so without over polishing the markings on the barrel and sideplate. Obviously, the sideplate fit is poor, which points to a refinish, and the hammer and trigger are blued, rather than case hardened. All of the rough forging marks are still present, especially around the trigger guard.

While not pristine, I sure didn't pay a pristine price either.

 

[DWalt]

I saw an interesting Victory at the local gun show today. In the typical highly modified condition (blued, cut barrel, incorrect grips, strange-looking "shark fin" front sight, missing swivel) which the vendor swore was in "All Original" condition.

 

[Ron M.]

Shipped off a request for a historical letter today...

From reading the previous posts, I guess my early .38 Special, V11312, with no military markings, not even a flaming bomb, is an odd duck, to say the least. Will post results when I receive my letter from Mr. Jinks...

 

[Absalom]

From reading the previous posts, I guess my early .38 Special, V11312, with no military markings, not even a flaming bomb, is an odd duck, to say the least. Will post results when I receive my letter from Mr. Jinks...

Not so odd, but interesting nevertheless. It's a very early one from 1942 and could have gone anywhere; that early, the absence of topstrap stampings and military proofs is not necessarily predictive of a non-military DSC or USMC gun; the Navy also got some unmarked ones. Looking forward to your letter results.

 

[Ron M.]

My odd duck...

Since I bought it in California, I hope the letter indicates a defense shipment somewhere near the Bay Area...my old stomping grounds.

 

[smith3cdo]

S&W Victory, Info please!

I have a S&W Victory, "C" Broad Arrow marked (Canada) Serial # V103401, Matte black Parkerized finish, color case hardened hammer, Mint unfired. What could you tell me about it from your data base?

Thanks!

Jeff

 

[Absalom]

I have a S&W Victory, "C" Broad Arrow marked (Canada) Serial # V103401, Matte black Parkerized finish, color case hardened hammer, Mint unfired.

A gun from that early in the war and with Canadian military markings, and then in mint unfired condition, makes me a bit suspicious. Are you sure it has not been refinished? You talk about matte black parkerized. The Victory finish wasn't really black. An original finish should look like the one in the attached picture.

 

[smith3cdo]

Thank you for the info!

Regards,

Jeff

 

[Bradleyk]

OK, im new here and looking for the true history of a family owned hand eject, 5 screw snub nose 38 serial number V 50XXX, no model number on gun no caliber on barrel,, and it is nickle plated and has been for over 60 years have been told a really valuable gun , which i would never sell but any info would be appreciated Thanks Brad !!

 

[Muley Gil]

OK, im new here and looking for the true history of a family owned hand eject, 5 screw snub nose 38 serial number V 50XXX, no model number on gun no caliber on barrel,, and it is nickle plated and has been for over 60 years have been told a really valuable gun , which i would never sell but any info would be appreciated Thanks Brad !!

Welcome to the Forum.

Unfortunately, the main value in this revolver is your family connection. After WW II, the British had tons of S&W revolvers that were chambered in .38 S&W, which is NOT the .38 special cartridge. The Brits surplused these guns and many were shipped back to the US, where they were rechambered to .38 special, had their 5" barrels cutdown, some to 2" or so, tinny ramp style front sights were added and many were also nickel plated.

More than likely, yours is one of these. The collector's value is nil. Please post pictures.

 

[Absalom]

.......... 5 screw snub nose 38 serial number V 50XXX, no model number on gun no caliber on barrel,, and it is nickle plated and has been for over 60 years have been told a really valuable gun , which i would never sell but any info would be appreciated Thanks Brad !!

If you can't post pictures, please look at the photo I've attached and tell us whether your revolver has the lug under the front of the barrel that holds the end of the ejector rod. If it does not and the ejector rod (the cylinder axis) is unsupported, Muley Gil's diagnosis is confirmed.

 

[kwill1911]

If you can't post pictures, please look at the photo I've attached and tell us whether your revolver has the lug under the front of the barrel that holds the end of the ejector rod. If it does not and the ejector rod (the cylinder axis) is unsupported, Muley Gil's diagnosis is confirmed.

Tell us more about the one pictured, please.