Victory data base

Victory V764434

Victory V764434
Appears to be a factory re-barrel and refinish in black oxide. No US property markings on top strap, "P" stamped on left side rear just below the top strap, crossed swords with two small numbers also on left side just above the front of the trigger housing. Grip frame is stamped "R-SB 11 80". Barrel is a tapered 4" Model 10 with ramped and serrated front sight, underside is stamped with matching serial number and diamond. Grips are magnas, no serial number. It's a nice little rework that appears unfired since refurb. Looking for insight/speculation about what it was and an how it came to be in current state.
Was this an unshipped BSR converted to .38 Special for domestic use? Was there a mass return/refurb if LE firearms in 1980? How much is this oddity worth?





 
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The Gila Bender said:
Victory V764434
Appears to be a factory re-barrel and refinish in black oxide. No US property markings on top strap, "P" stamped on left side rear just below the top strap, crossed swords with two small numbers also on left side just above the front of the trigger housing. Grip frame is stamped "R-SB 11 80". Barrel is a tapered 4" Model 10 with ramped and serrated front sight, underside is stamped with matching serial number and diamond. Grips are magnas, no serial number. It's a nice little rework that appears unfired since refurb. A PD trade in perhaps? Missing the upper sideplate screw. Anyone got a spare?

Was this a BSR converted to .38 Special?
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From early 1945. If there is nothing stamped on the top strap, it's likely a DSC contract for civilian service, so it would have been in .38 Special. Magnas are probably not original. I don't know about the crossed swords. Just to be sure, try chambering a .38 S&W round to see if it fits. If not, it is an original .38 Special. If so, and a .38 Special round has a sloppy fit, the chambers are probably bored out. Numrich had the proper screw, or at least they did. Hopefully someone from here might sell you one.
 
I just traded for victory

I just traded forvictory# v175898 4 inch barrel 38 spl U.S. NAVY all # match the only other markings are under cyl. release and they areN.Y.M.I. 731 what do I have and thanks
 
more victorys for data base

Frist is# v198381 4 inch 38spl U.S. NAVY marked top strap all # match , next is #v285205 Flaming bomb U.S. PROPERTY GHD all # match but has repro grips 4 inch 38spl. Then there is v23897 no other markings 4 inch 38 spl. also v415965 38s@w 5 inch converted to 38 spl other marking are A arrow F between trigger guard and grips on other side of gun rebored in Australa A arrow F above made in usa below that FTR/MA 55 with 30 arrow with M R it has diamond checkered grips. last but not least v71390 with 5 inch barrel 38 s@w flaming bomb U.S. property GHD with what looks like Austrain proof marks. this was the frist gun I ever brought. the dealer said he brought it in a batch of T.V.A. guns in early 70s any info I think you in advance.
 
Going to look at a Victory, could use help

If the planets align, I will be going to look at a Victory tomorrow, SN 4800xx. It is reportedly in 38 spc and with a 4" bbl. I don't yet know about other markings. It appears unmolested or refinished. What is the likely background on this gun? Anything special I should be looking for/at? Thanks. This could be my first "V"...something to keep my '17s company.
 
HI, I have a snubnose serial V 282576 with an unusual mark under the "MADE IN THE USA" mark under the M. I will try and post my pics of the gun. Gum has no other unusual marks besides serial numbers and the one mark under the M, it has no model # no caliber.
 
JABO2246 said:
HI, I have a snubnose serial V 282576 with an unusual mark under the "MADE IN THE USA" mark under the M. I will try and post my pics of the gun. Gum has no other unusual marks besides serial numbers and the one mark under the M, it has no model # no caliber.
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Seems like a butchered British .38/200 Victory from your description. If there is no latch on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the ejector rod, there is no doubt that it is. Yours would date from about May 1943.
 
Are the serial numbers provided by forum members to this thread being recorded in numerical sequence & ship date for future reference?

I have some data to add to the list, as follows:

Presently-owned 38 Special, US Navy 4" with topstrap stamp AND Navy-applied "Property of" stamp on left side, #V5379x. I posted a picture of this revolver to a separate thread; it apparently dates from 1942.

Formerly-owned 4" 38 Special, US Navy on topstrap, #V152273.

Another Victory of my acquaintance is a 5" bbl 38/200, lend-lease for the UK. Topstrap is marked "US Property GHD." Imported by Century Int'l Arms ca 1997, #V379005.

It would be interesting to know the dates on these latter two if available.
 
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bobbydill said:
I just traded forvictory# v175898 4 inch barrel 38 spl U.S. NAVY all # match the only other markings are under cyl. release and they areN.Y.M.I. 731 what do I have and thanks
Click to expand...

First off, welcome to the forum.

It doesn't appear that anybody has yet addressed your inquiry.

V175898 should've shipped in the late 1942 or very early 1943 time frame.

N.Y.M.I. = Navy Yard Mare Island, with the 731 being a property number for that facility. Typically this marking would be filled in with white paint.

I think I speak for all in saying we'd certainly like to see some photos of this one.
 
rebelchopper said:
Good evening all. I was recently given a S&W Victory model by my mother. I'm still researching where the gun came from in my family. In the meantime, I wanted to submit it to the registry. The Serial # is V219104, and has 'US NAVY' on the top left. All serial #'s match. I would like any info that you can provide me on my new piece of history. Please let me know if you need other info/markings from the gun. Thanks!
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Welcome to the forum. Wonderful photos, we all really appreciate that.

I'd remark that the fit of the stocks (grips) looks to be lacking. I suspect that if you (carefully) remove them, you'll discover that they're misnumbered to the gun.

Great heirloom in any event.
 
Goony said:
Welcome to the forum. Wonderful photos, we all really appreciate that.

I'd remark that the fit of the stocks (grips) looks to be lacking. I suspect that if you (carefully) remove them, you'll discover that they're misnumbered to the gun.

Great heirloom in any event.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the welcome. After posting originally, I did remove the grips to see if they're serialized. Unfortunately, they're not, so I'm suspecting they're not original . Bummer, but it is still in really good condition!
 
rebelchopper said:
Thanks for the welcome. After posting originally, I did remove the grips to see if they're serialized. Unfortunately, they're not, so I'm suspecting they're not original . Bummer, but it is still in really good condition!
Click to expand...

If unnumbered, they're presumptively not the originals, but may well be period armorer's or depot replacements, which is not too unusual.
 
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Almost positive I have one of these.... been trying to find information on it.

Smith & Wesson on left side of the barrel.
Two strange symbols on each side of "38 S&W. CTG" on the right side of the barrel.
Made in U.S A on right side of frame below cylinder.
A circle with a caret pointing up followed by U.S PROPERTY G.H.D on the top left.
Serial number V 428781 under barrel, inside the extractor, on the cylinder, and next to the lanyard ring. The V is separated from the numbers by the lanyard ring.
1284 is stampled on the left side of the frame, just below the cylinder release button.
Osterreich Polizei encircling with what looks like a bird is directly behind the cylinder release button, right where the frame is at... what could best be described as a 90 degree angle .
Open the cylinder and 83168 is inside it twice with "D1" on the actual frame just above the number.


Thank you for any help.
 
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Thannks for the info! It is worn pretty decently. The barrel is still 5 inches long but hoow would I go about telling whether it has been converted to .38i Special


Thank you for the site. I saw that and then my searches led me here.
 
If you have a .38 Special cartridge or fired case, the easiest way is to see if it can be inserted completely into a chamber. You can also tell by the visual appearance of the "step" in the chamber if you know what to look for.
 
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