Victory model markings

[M38a]

Hi
I have a 2 inch barrel Victory model serial # V 717288. The underside of the barrel has the serial number and the letter P. On the right side above the screw that is above the grip is the number 53, below the screw but above the grip is what looks kind of like a small case c and the letters TR. Any idea what the those markings mean?
Thanks

Unfortunately the revolver has been refinished.

 

[murphydog]

Without photos it is not possible to be sure, but they may either be factory assembler/fitter/inspector stamps, or inventory/rack numbers.

Original 2" barrel Victory Models are rare, can you post a photo of the gun too? Thanks.

 

[DWalt]

It would be HIGHLY unusual that yours would be one of the rare 2" Victories. Much more likely it is a 5" barrel British Service Revolver (BSR) which had had the barrel chopped down to 2" during the 1950s-1960s to sell cheaply in the US. If there is no lug under the barrel ahead of the extractor rod, the barrel has been shortened. Your pictures show that to be the case. And as you surmised, it has also been refinished and the chambers have probably been bored to accept .38 Special cartridges. It's a shooter, nothing collectible.

 

[M38a]

I know it isn't collectible, my question is about the markings on the right side of the revolver above the grip.

 

[Absalom]

That is not a c, but a mutilated F. The letters stand for FTR, Factory Thorough Repair, in 1953. I do not know where, but likely in Britain since this is a refinished, shortened former British Service Model.

This marking in that location is unusual. We normally encounter only Australian FTR-marked guns here, which have the marking on the front of the frame (see picture)

 

[M38a]

Thanks for the explanation!