Victory model questions

[Nimrod44]

Ok I don't have a Victory model in my collection, I'm sorry but I am working on it. I looked at one at a local shop yesterday serial number range V499xxx if I remember correctly. No U.S. markings, hole for the lanyard is plugged and there is a star in front of the V in the serial number. Looks like original finish in good shape, aftermarket grips. What do you guys think about this configuration?

 

[Chris Viking]

Problems with S&W 22LR Victory's take down screw?

 

[Muss Muggins]

How long was the barrel and what caliber was it?

 

[Nimrod44]

Sorry I left that out, it's a 4" 38 Special. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Absalom]

If the price is right and you're after a shooter, not a collector piece, go for it. There are enough all-original ones to be had, so collector value of modified ones drops quickly.

It's from the first half of 1944, and likely shipped to a non-military destination through the Defense Supplies Corporation, or maybe the US Maritime Commission. The star usually denotes a trip back to the factory for repairs, although I don't think that was consistently applied during the war years; check for a date code MM/YY under the grips on the frame.

 

[Inusuit]

Condition is key. Sounds like a $250 shooter to me.

 

[Nimrod44]

Thanks for the info, it's actually in very good condition just no grips. I didn't know about the lack of military markings and lanyard loop.
Thanks!

 

[Absalom]

Thanks for the info, it's actually in very good condition just no grips. I didn't know about the lack of military markings and lanyard loop.
Thanks!

As for the lanyard hole, the gun would have definitely shipped with the swivel; depending on how exactly it was plugged, unplugging it and finding an original replacement is usually unproblematic. Same with period-correct stocks. So if the price is attractive enough, these things are fixable.

 

[DWalt]

Likely an early 1944 shipment, probably Feb. Lanyard swivel and grips are easily replaced, and lack of property stamping on the topstrap usually indicates it's a civilian DSC revolver.