Why would mine have the "flaming bomb" ordnance stamp on the butt and no top strap mark?
You pretty well have the story. Your SN would date shipment to about July 1942. Those with no topstrap stamping will typically have been used in essential stateside service by law enforcement and defense plant guards. Allegedly there were about 74,000 procured through the Defense Supplies Corporation (DSC) during the war. They are not really rare, but they are not that common either. Sometimes they are found with various property markings and inventory numbers etched or stamped somewhere on them, such as the name of some defense contractor, e.g., Boeing, duPont, etc. They were not actually government issue, as the users paid for them.
I have the following Victory models:
SN 802636 is a 6" barreled 38 Special, brush blue, matching service stocks, lanyard ring, standard side plate/frame/barrel markings. Letter pending. It is probably a civilian market gun, so you may not want to catch it. If the letter produces any more information, I'll update.
S&W Victory Model, .38 Special, marked with ordnance bomb on butt, “U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D.” on top strap, SN V337417, all matching, letter pending.
S&W Victory Model, .38 Special, no ordnance mark, “U.S. NAVY” on top strap, SN V203681, all matching.
S&W Victory Model, .38S&W (38-200), ordnance mark/GHD on butt, “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on top strap, no proofs/unit markings/etc. but there is evidence something was polished off at the frame end of the barrel, SN V181992, all matching.
S&W Victory Model, .38 Special, unmarked top strap, ordnance bomb mark on butt, SN V169021, all matching, letter pending.
S&W Victory Model, .38 Special, no ordnance mark, “U.S. NAVY” on top strap, SN V113923, all matching.
A .38/200 in good condition is something nice to have.
Would getting a letter likely shine more light on a "grey" piece or should I Just leave well enough alone? As well, I have a few boxes of reloaded .380 from respectable reloader known well locally. I don't want to assume it is proper ammunition but it did shoot and function quite well. Is this safe to use or should I put it by the wayside?
I assume this is likely the US Maritime Commission. Any idea of approximate date of manufacture ? Mike