Victory data base

[DWalt]

I am looking for info on the history of the pistol that I inherited from my Mom.
The serial number is V231531. It has the large "P" stamp on the barrel and the "BNP" proof mark.
Any info is appreciated.

A few good pictures would help significantly in providing better information.

 

[sw44spl]

Here is my victory 38spl

 

[CharlieP187]

Here are some pictures of the pistol. Again, I appreciate any insight.







[/ATTACH]

 

[The Angry Pilgrim]

Another one for the database. Picked up this Victory from a friend - Serial# V 342643, 4" barrel, .38Spl, U.S. Property GHD on top strap. In great shape, original with matching numbered grips.

 

[ordnanceguy]

Another one for the database. Picked up this Victory from a friend - Serial# V 342643, 4" barrel, .38Spl, U.S. Property GHD on top strap. In great shape, original with matching numbered grips.

Duly noted in the Database, AP. Thank you.

 

[ordnanceguy]

I am looking for info on the history of the pistol that I inherited from my Mom. The serial number is V231531. It has the large "P" stamp on the barrel and the "BNP" proof mark. Any info is appreciated.

Hello Charlie:

Thanks for the additional photos you posted on your V231531. From the Victory Model Database I can estimate for you that your revolver likely shipped from the factory in the January-February 1943 time frame. It was a Lend Lease program gun.

From the pics it appears that your revolver's original 5" barrel has been cut down to a 4 incher. The stocks have been replaced. Your revolver was originally chambered for the .38 S&W (.38-200) cartridge. Many of those guns were modified post-war by dealers to accept .38 Special cartridges. I can't tell from the pics if that is the case with your example.

I hope that information is helpful to you.

 

[ordnanceguy]

Here is my victory 38spl

Nice looking Victory, sw44spl. Thanks for providing the data. It is now in the Database.

 

[CharlieP187]

Where does one apply for the tracking letter from S&W?

 

[DWalt]

You should be aware the cost of a letter is $100, and is unlikely to provide much information beyond the exact shipping date. It will not provide any information whatsoever about what happened to it after shipment from S&W. Being modified, probably very significantly, your Victory has no collectible value.

Regarding the SN V231531, the closest SN I have listed to it is V238853 which shipped on 2/26/43. S&W was making around 1000 per day at that time.

 

[Absalom]

Where does one apply for the tracking letter from S&W?

I usually encourage lettering every historic S&W, but feel obligated to agree with DWalt in this case, especially since your wording indicates that you may have incorrect expectations.

It’s not a “tracking” letter. The historian can only tell you when and where S&W shipped it, and ALL these Lend-Lease guns shipped to the same Army Ordnance depot; where they went after that is beyond the letter.

I’ve lettered a gun like that anyway, wanting a letter sample for this model. You may still want to if you can afford it and support the S&W Historical Foundation with your money.

But be aware what you will get

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Home Page - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come

 

[Rbobby]

Hey everyone new just picked up a 4 inch barrel 38 special. us property ghd with flaming bomb stamped victory sn v474228. Also has a Bavaria police stamp. Haven’t had much luck finding a sn range list. Any lone have any info on this neat ole girl

 

[Hugmor]

If indeed that's five digits after the "V" and not six, it most likely shipped in May or June of 1942. Too bad it was nickeled. Which caliber is it?

I read somewhere that at the end of the war, some soldiers would bring back “trophies”, and would oftener have guns nickel plated in France before their return.

I just bought a Victory today. S/N V430415. It too is nickel plated. I will restore it to its original finish.

Cheers!

 

[grendelbean]

Data-base input S&W .38 Victory Model

Thanks for keeping up the data base. What a great resource. I have recently acquired the following:
S&W .38 Special CTG Victory Model Serial No. V67232. Number matching on inside right stock, under barrel, and on cylinder.
Right side of barrel 38 S&W Special CTG
Finish: Black brushed
Patent dates on top of barrel
On right side of grip frame at the butt: "T", "J", "A", "6", A dot, and a larger "S".
On the left side of the grip frame at the butt: "P", and "P"
Smooth backstrap. Grooved trigger.
On the yoke: 11562 and "S" with 11562 and "P" on the frame next to the yoke.
The revolver is tight and shows minor holster wear marks. The bore seems perfect and it has every sign of being carried more far more than being used.
No markings of backstrap or sideplate (beyond S&W Trademark), and no markins on left side.
Ordnance bonb mark on butt across from serial number..

 

[DWalt]

Hey everyone new just picked up a 4 inch barrel 38 special. us property ghd with flaming bomb stamped victory sn v474228. Also has a Bavaria police stamp. Haven’t had much luck finding a sn range list. Any lone have any info on this neat ole girl

That SN would probably have been shipped around December 1943. The Bavarian stamp is interesting, but I'm not much of an expert on the postwar German civil police guns.

 

[Absalom]

Hey everyone new just picked up a 4 inch barrel 38 special. us property ghd with flaming bomb stamped victory sn v474228. Also has a Bavaria police stamp.

I wonder how this post slipped through without anyone responding last month. Must have been a busy time.

Your gun (if you’re still around) shipped in very late 1943 originally, to a US military destination. After the war, it was issued in 1946 to German police in occupied Bavaria by US authorities and carried until the early 1950s, then sold as surplus.

I read somewhere that at the end of the war, some soldiers would bring back “trophies”, and would oftener have guns nickel plated in France before their return.

I just bought a Victory today. S/N V430415. It too is nickel plated. I will restore it to its original finish.

I think the plating in France was indeed mostly done to captured German pistols. These Victorys were more likely nickeled after being sold as surplus here in the US. I don’t think military authorities would have taken too kindly to soldiers plating current-issued US property marked revolvers

 

[sigp220.45]

I just picked up this Victory. Well, almost. Colorado is running at 7 days for a background check so I paid and left it, hence the quick pics.

Its marked US Navy on the topstrap.

The nice diamond magnas are a plus. I’ll swap them out when it I get it home.

 

[grendelbean]

Navy Marked Victory Model

Nice acquisition. I envy you. I'm looking for one like that. I notice the butt swivel hole is plugged - after you get it could you post some information about that. For example, what material did someone use to plug the hole with? Thanks, great gun.

 

[Absalom]

I just picked up this Victory.
......
Its marked US Navy on the topstrap.

The nice diamond magnas are a plus. I’ll swap them out when it I get it home.

Nice condition for an early five-digit Navy gun; must have gone to some cushy staff job and not been dragged through too many saltwater bilges

And not a bad price even without the stocks and swivel. Both easily remedied. Shipped in fall 1942.

 

[Igiveup]

There have been quite a few request for information here. Does anyone have the number of Victories are in the data base to date? Very interesting information.

 

[Ameshawki]

I'll throw my two into the mix.

V201083 38 Special, four inch, no obvious military markings, probably a DSC gun. Parked, smooth walnut grips. My guess is 1942 era.

V579739 British, 38 S&W, five inch. Unmolested but checked grips that probably aren't original. My guess is 1944 time frame.