Victory data base

[DWalt]

That early, Navy guns would have likely had Navy property markings. Civilian revolvers did not have the US property markings. Yours is likely one that went to the Army. But there is no way to tell where it went during the war or afterward, as these things were shuffled around all over the world. Some marine may have gotten it from some soldier. It's really not productive worrying about such things. It is simply what it is - a run-of-the-mill Victory like many thousands of others.

 

[G26ster]

That early, Navy guns would have likely had Navy property markings. Civilian revolvers did not have the US property markings. Yours is likely one that went to the Army. But there is no way to tell where it went during the war or afterward, as these things were shuffled around all over the world. Some marine may have gotten it from some soldier. It's really not productive worrying about such things. It is simply what it is - a run-of-the-mill Victory like many thousands of others.

Thanks again for the info. You've been very helpful. I'm not really concerned with the entire history of the revolver, as I know it's not possible to chart it. I just like to know about what year my collectibles were made or delivered, and who "may have" used them. You have answered that

 

[jon p]

pachmayer grips

i want to add some more comfortable grips to my 1942 victory, but the lanyard ring is in the way!! i dont know how to remove it,and i do NOT want to mess my pistol up. can it be safely removed, and later reinstalled ? HOW? i tried a tyler grip adapter but it still doesnt fit my hand right so i figure the full size pachmayers will do the trick. any help out there? thanks in advance, JON P

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Jon, it's simple. Remove the grips and push out the pin from the left side grip frame holding the lanyard ring on the grip. A small Phillip's head screwdriver should work. The pin is small so make sure you do it over a table and put some white paper down...paper towels will work...so you don't lose the pin. It's been in there a long time and may be stuck due to dried oil. If that's the case, some penetrating oil, Kroil or acetone should free it up. To restore, just put the lanyard ring back in the hole and insert the pin.

 

[jon p]

great info

Jon, it's simple. Remove the grips and push out the pin from the left side grip frame holding the lanyard ring on the grip. A small Phillip's head screwdriver should work. The pin is small so make sure you do it over a table and put some white paper down...paper towels will work...so you don't lose the pin. It's been in there a long time and may be stuck due to dried oil. If that's the case, some penetrating oil, Kroil or acetone should free it up. To restore, just put the lanyard ring back in the hole and insert the pin.

thanks so much for your help, i didnt think it was a big deal but i didnt want to mess up the lanyard ring! the pachmayer grips will be so much more comfortable to shoot with. now if i can find some .38 special light loads i am off to the range.

 

[ladyT]

Ok. The LGS got a collection ow WWII pistols and rifles. Two pistols ae Victorys. A 5 inch and a 4 inch. The 5 inch has FTR stamped on it. The 4 inch has US Navy on it. First 3 numbers of 5 of the S/N is 444 and it comeswith a shoulder holster marked USN. Neither gun has been priced at so any imput on value would be welcomed.

 

[ladyT]

The S/N is V444xx. US Navy on the top strap. 4 inch barrel. Shoulder holster is stamped USN and "43" stamped on the holster which I take as 1943 and a name written on the holster which may or may not be the one assigned this gun. Thats all I remember. Its still in the case without a price as they have yet to price it. It was one of some 70 guns that made up this collection.

 

[RyanC73]

Two victory models for database and date of production request

Hi, I'm new to the sight and was looking for some help. First, I've really enjoyed reading all the posts.

I recently purchased two victory revolvers.

1. Serial numbered V636669, all matching including the grips. Since it has GHD on the top, I'm assuming its army?

2. Serial numbered V226069, all matching except the grips, which are numbered. US Navy on top strap.

Hopefully you can tell condition from the pictures. If anyone could tell me date of production and an estimate as to what they are worth.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[ordnanceguy]

1. Serial numbered V636669, all matching including the grips. Since it has GHD on the top, I'm assuming its army?

2. Serial numbered V226069, all matching except the grips, which are numbered. US Navy on top strap.

If anyone could tell me date of production and an estimate as to what they are worth.

Hello Ryan:

Welcome to the Forum.

Your V636669, based on the info in the Victory Model Database, likely shipped from the S&W factory in the July, 1944 time frame. Rather than being an Army shipment chances are good that it actually shipped to the US Navy.

As to V226069 it likely shipped from the factory in the January-February, 1943 time frame.

Both appear to be very nice, high condition guns.

Hope that info helps you.

 

[DWalt]

Those dates seem to be about right. After approximately March 1943, Victory models that were shipped to the Navy are marked essentially the same as those that went to the Army. A factory letter would be necessary to determine where a specific revolver was shipped.

I ran into a V-model this weekend in the V670000 range, and the owner had a factory letter stating that it went to the Navy in September 1944. On the basis of that, he was asking $850 "because it was a Navy revolver." His mind was made up - he had no interest in debating the distinction between a Navy-marked revolver and any ordinary V-model which was simply shipped to the Navy late in the war.

 

[RyanC73]

Thanks guys. I am debating getting a letter from S&W. Is it worth it? Also, what was the correct holster for the Victory?

 

[DWalt]

" Is it worth it?"

Only you can answer that. For myself, I'd say no, as I have better things to spend $50 on. Like beer. Or ammo. Regarding holsters, prowl around a little on the site. Here's one: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/311098-us-navy-victory-new-addition.html There are several good pictures of various holsters, and I am sure there are some websites devoted to military holsters which will go into excruciating detail about holster technology that are only a Google away.

 

[samandglove1]

I just picked up another cool war horse. It is a 4" U.S. Navy Marked Victory Model #V30517. Roy has provided me a July 1942 ship date.

The main reason I purchased it is because I have strange revolver that has a very similar ship date. It is a 4” Military & Police 1905 4th Change, serial # 997237 in .38 special. It is a very high serial number (no letter prefix) M&P that has the original phosphate/military Victory finish. The revolver serial numbers are all correct and it is wearing plain walnut numbers matching stocks. The five screws, ejector rod, and factory installed lanyard hole block are all blued though. I have never seen one like this.

Roy says that it is a double number gun, one of them was a .38/200 going to Hartford Ordnance in June 1942 and mine was a Defense Supply Corp Commercial gun also being shipped in June 1942. Double number guns generally occurred at the end of a shift or when they change models.

 

[DRJ]

My Victory

I just found this thread and it is very timely. I would like to add my Victory that I just got yesterday. Any info you can give me would be great. Thanks

Doyle

4" ser# v215155
Stamped us navy
no proof marks
very wrong grips
all numbers match






Thanks this is my first Victory and I know very little about them.

 

[DRJ]

Thanks for the info Dwalt. This my first victory and I am learning as I go. Thanks again

Doyle

 

[RF4guy]

Gentlemen, I also have a Victory model I'm curious about. Its been reblued, so its collector value is gone, but whoever did it was very good...only markings faded is the S&W logo on the side. In any case, the serial number is V307657. Can you tell me when it was made and what organization may have used it?

 

[DWalt]

One having a very close SN to V307657 shipped on 7/15/43. Therefore, the manufacturing date of yours is prior to that. A factory letter may provide a slightly different shipping date, but will not supply a manufacturing date. A letter would also be required to establish the location to where it was initially shipped. Finding the exact unit that actually used it would be a near-impossibility. If it is not stamped "U. S. Property" on the top strap, it is most likely that it was intended for stateside civilian use (but there are some other less-likely possibilities). You did not specify a caliber stamping on the barrel, or a barrel length. If it is stamped .38 S&W CTG, it would have been made for the British Commonwealth. Those usually had 5" barrels. Otherwise, it is chambered for .38 S&W Special (mostly 4" barrels). If yours is marked as .38 S&W, it may well have been subjected to further mutilation by boring out the chambers to accept .38 S&W Special cartridges, and may also have had the barrel shortened. A picture or two would help identification.

 

[RF4guy]

Thanks for the Info DWalt. I should have been more descriptive in my initial post. It has a 4 inch barrel and is chambered in 38 Special. It has "Property of US Government" and GHD on the top strap.

 

[RF4guy]

Thanks again!

 

[DWalt]

Are you sure it says "Property of US Government"? That is not the usual top strap marking, which is simply "U. S. Property."