Victory data base

[Blind Boy]

This one came from my father. He purchased it in 1947 from the naval officer to whom it was issued. That's the story, my dad would have been 16. It came with the holster shown. It seems to be a standard issue 4", .38 Special, S/N 313733, top strap marked "U.S.Property G.H.D.", shown with a Fray-Mershon "Sure Grip". Any idea on the holster, is it navy issue?

 

[ordnanceguy]

. Any idea on the holster, is it navy issue?

BB:

Nice gun and rig. Yes, the holster is USGI. It is an M-3 style holster for the Victory Model. If of WW2 vintage then it should bear a maker's marking on the upper left portion of the reverse side, typically USN BOYT 43. (The image below shows what this marking looks like.) If of a later vintage it will have different markings.

BTW, your holster is missing the male snap and belt loop at the bottom of the holster, a not unusual occurrence with these holsters.

Hope that helps you.

 

[Blind Boy]

Ordnanceguy, thank you for the information. The holster does indeed have the stamping you show, on the rear upper left, along with someone's hand applied initials. This holster was used.

Yes, the bottom snap is broken. I can't figure out what would have used that snap, perhaps a separate item to secure the holster to a belt?

Thanks to all who contribute to this thread.

Barry
p.s.,I see my question about the lower snap was already answered.

 

[DWalt]

A shoulder holster of very similar design was used for the .45 pistol, and there was also a belt loop on the bottom. The Navy holsters are often seen with post-manufacture (shipboard) modifications, such as cartridge loops sewn onto the strap. Those are also fairly desirable and do not detract from value if period original.

 

[Jet Fixer]

Here is mine

Picked this up last summer. I believe it was shipped around January 43. There was some small rust spots on it that cleaned up pretty well.

It came from the estate of a WW2 navy supply officer. I have his name but can't track him to any definite ship or station.

Any info on this weapon would be appreciated.

1943 Victory Photos by JetFixer14 | Photobucket

 

[ordnanceguy]

Any info on this weapon would be appreciated.

Hi Jet Fixer:

That is a very nice Navy Victory. Your information was correct. It shipped from the factory to the Navy in January, 1943.

 

[pmacaiman]

Greetings to all you shooter and collectors on this forum. I find myself a puzzled new owner of a S&W Victory, .38S&W, 5" barrel, high polish blue finish, smooth grips, lanyard ring, S/N V155158, normal S&W markings, the only USGI stamps are GHB and the Ordnance flaming bomb. Can you help resolve this and the aprox date it shipped. Sorry no photos at this time.

 

[insomniac]

My offer to the database

V26590

U.S. NAVY marked. Frame, barrel, cylinder and stocks match.

Found this on GB for $750......a little more than I wanted to spend, but this revolver has sentimental value for me and I've been looking for a nice one for a few years.

I was issued one of these during the Gulf War serving as a Naval Aviator operating from the USS Ranger (CV-61).

Also qualified "Expert" with it (I'm not actually an expert with a handgun, but the Navy told me I was, so I kept quiet).

 

[DWalt]

Yours probably shipped about July 1942. That price is not out of line for an original and complete Navy Victory in the condition shown. It should have a dull phosphate finish, but I cannot tell if it is phosphated or not. It looks blued from the pictures.

 

[insomniac]

Thanks for the response and info DWalt, I really appreciate all the effort you put into this database. I read every page and enjoyed it!

The finish on this one is a very dark gray phosphate. Most of my pictures make it appear darker, and more reflective for some reason.

Here's hopefully a better pic.

 

[pdunwell4]

What can you tell me?

I just happen across this revolver. I ended up trading a single shot .410 for it. I have to admit that I know nothing about it other than I just like it. This is my first Smith & Wesson and actually my first revolver. What knowledge can you share about this piece?

I'll post more pictures.

Thanks for you help!

 

[pdunwell4]

What Can you tell me?

This is the profile of the revolver. It appears to be sandblasted blue finish.

 

[pdunwell4]

What can you tell me?

There are no markings other than those adjacent to the serial number on the butt. There is a W and a number 8 looking character. Nothing on the top of the cylinder frame.

 

[pdunwell4]

What can you tell me?

This is the last pic I'll post. 38 special ctg.

I hope I ended up with a good deal on the trade.

Thank you for tolerating my multiple posts!

 

[DWalt]

It's a heavily-used S&W Victory model from ca. late 1943-early 1944. I can't make out the caliber stamping on the barrel, but the 4" barrel would indicate a .38 Special. Grips are from the 1920s, and are worth a few bucks by themselves, as they appear to be in good condition. The lanyard loop is missing, but can be replaced if the plug can be removed. If it has no mechanical problems, and is shootable, it would bring at least $200. You probably did OK on the trade. It's a good candidate for a home re-finishing project, as it has virtually no original finish. The fact that it has no topstrap property stamp indicates it may be one made for stateside use during the war by police or defense plant guards. By the way, you can add multiple images to a single posting.

 

[pdunwell4]

It's a heavily-used S&W Victory model from ca. late 1943-early 1944. I can't make out the caliber stamping on the barrel, but the 4" barrel would indicate a .38 Special. Grips are from the 1920s, and are worth a few bucks by themselves, as they appear to be in good condition. The lanyard loop is missing, but can be replaced if the plug can be removed. If it has no mechanical problems, and is shootable, it would bring at least $200. You probably did OK on the trade. It's a good candidate for a home re-finishing project, as it has virtually no original finish. The fact that it has no topstrap property stamp indicates it may be one made for stateside use during the war by police or defense plant guards. By the way, you can add multiple images to a single posting.

Thank you so much for the information! Sorry about the pics. I'm facing a learning disability with regards to the forum.

Yes, it is a .38 Special and the lanyard loop plug appears to be a soft solder type material. I am able to leave my finger nail mark in it.

Do you have any idea what the sideways W or the strange looking half darkened 8 on the butt and P's in multiple places mean? I apologize for so many questions, I'm just not familiar with SW markings.

Thank you again!

 

[jgrim]

My Victory
Serial # V39317
Marked WB with ordnance bomb on the butt
United States Property on the top
Marked 38 S&W on the right side of the barrel
It will not chamber .38 special rounds


The revolver is in rough shape with some ugly bakelite type grips .My hope is to bring it back to life and at least have a shooter to add to my collection

looks like parts for this revolver are few and far between, can anyone guide me in the right direction for parts

 

[Muss Muggins]

My Victory
Serial # V39317
Marked WB with ordnance bomb on the butt
United Stated Property on the top
Marked 38 S&W on the right side of the barrel
It will not chamber .38 special rounds

The revolver is in rough shape with some ugly bakelite type grips .My hope is to bring it back to life and at least have a shooter to add to my collection

looks like parts for this revolver are few and far between, can anyone guide me in the right direction for parts

I'm guessing the first thing you're looking for is an ejector rod?

 

[DWalt]

There should be plenty of the older extractor rods available, along with other parts. The barrel-shaped knob style of extractor rod was in use for over 20 years. The grips may be of a material called Catalin, and if so, they are very desirable. Almost anything made of Catalin is. If you don't want them, you can give them to me.

V39317 should have shipped in mid-1942.

 

[jgrim]

thanks for the fast response. I had came to the conclusion it was shipped in 1942 or early 1943 by the post I have read on this thread. I am a little smarter today after going through this forum and researching this old revolver. thanks for the confirmation .If i can find a good deal on some Walnut grips .I will express mail these ugly ones to you for sure.