Victory Model - US Army Europe Presentation revolver

[rayb]

I didn't have a Victory model, and had been looking for an example. Finally saw this one, but was broke. Went back several months later & it was still available. So here's another one for the data base: V672279
It has been engraved, probably in Germany, ca. 1952. Evidently presented to a member of the US Army Europe Engineer School for service 1948-1952, as engraved on the left side plate.

The grips were checkered as shown in the pix. The grip stamped number does not match the gun serial number. The head of the grip screw was is also engraved with sunburst pattern lines.

38 S&W ctg, 5" barrel, no sign of it being fired.

The EUCOM engineer school was located at Kimbro Kaserne, Murnau, Germany during the period engraved on the revolver.

No other information available so far.

rayb

 

[Goony]

Interesting that it's a .38/200. That would be one way to get rid of any British markings!

 

[DCWilson]

That is both unexpected and kind of nice. Thumbs up!

 

[bettis1]

I agree with David. Unexpected, but nice. From what we can see, the engraving appears to be quite good and you certainly won't confuse it with any other Victories that you may run across.

Bob

 

[Art Doc]

Very handsome... except maybe the barrel looks a little naked.

I have a Navy contract VM that is very close in serial. I'll check it when I get home.

 

[VaRecon]

Great to see the previous owners took care of it.
That's a good looking vm.

 

[H Richard]

A fine addition to anyone's collection. I wish hit were mine.

 

[JSR III]

Evidently presented to a member of the US Army Europe Engineer School for service 1948-1952, as engraved on the left side plate.

So where is the photo of the left sideplate??? You can't make a statement like that and then not post a picture!!!

 

[Camster]

I really like it.I have a 1948 K22 that was engraved in Germany,circa 1952.Quality engraving was available at very reasonable prices in that timeframe.

 

[opoefc]

Interesting in that the engraver left the barrel alsmost untouched, excpt for the small area at the top. Is the other side a mirrow image of the same design? Ed.

 

[rayb]

So where is the photo of the left sideplate??? You can't make a statement like that and then not post a picture!!!

Here you go. Name marked out.

rayb

 

[rayb]

Interesting in that the engraver left the barrel alsmost untouched, excpt for the small area at the top. Is the other side a mirrow image of the same design? Ed.

Not exactly. Also see previous reply.

Thanks for your interest.

rayb

 

[lebomm]

That's one in a million, rayb ! Good on ya !

Larry

 

[rayb]

Quote from original post:

"The EUCOM engineer school was located at Kimbro Kaserne, Murnau, Germany during the period engraved on the revolver. "

CORRECTION/clarification: The kasserne at Murnau, an artilllery kasserne 1938-1945, was not renamed Kimbro Kasserne by the US Army until 1957. So the Engineer School was located at Murnau, bur it was not known as Kimbro Kasserne until after the period indicated by the engraving.

Search for information about the person involved continues.
rayb

 

[bettis1]

rayb,

As I said earlier, I think that is a very interesting and "one of a kind" revolver. Chasing the history of these things is often more exciting that the simple ownership.

We often see folks who obscure the serial number of a gun for various reasons (most of which are probably over reaction), however, I can't remember anyone obscuring an engraved name on a gun that is several generations old. I think that by doing so you are closing the door on a great opportunity to use this Forum to assist you in your search. We have seen several instances in the past where Forum members have been instrumental in opening doors that have led to filling out the history of these old guns and their owners.

Bob

 

[digi-shots]

Very nice looking!

The serial number seems to be within a range of guns showing stampings of "Bavaria Police" and/or ones with German proof marks.

Keep searching the name on the plate and this link:

Germany, Savannah, and Fort Leavenworth

In 1949 Mumau, Germany, was not a big city. We were met by someone from the Engineer
School and taken to the colonel's home, Colonel S. A. Armogida, for our first night. He had a
great house. Our second night was in our assigned house at the end of a dark street with no lights,
on the fringes of Mumau.
Just the day before we landed, Jug got his orders to Hanau. He was very happy. Then my orders
came and we were going to go to Murnau -the Engineer School. Our old Ford had not arrived
when we landed in Bremerhaven, so we went to Murnau on the train. The track was smooth and
we had a good night on the train.

Also, commanded the 313th Engineer Combat Battalion, 16 March 1943

Meanwhile, the Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Armogida, with five officers and twelve enlisted men, joined the Division advance combat detachment and left for the fighting fronts in Italy.

Also... 1168th Engineer Combat Group, with Lt. Col. Salvatore A. Armogida in command.

 

[bettis1]

Good work, Linda! That opens up a lot of avenues for further research...and thanks for quickly making my point.

Bob

 

[bettis1]

rayb,

It looks like you have a real hero on your hands. If you check this link you will find that the 313th Eng. Batt. under Armogida's command was commended by Pres. Roosevelt in early 1943 for civilian service in a major flood of the Arkansas River.

Shortly thereafter the 313th Engineers went to Casablanca to participate in the North Africa Campaign. Armogida then went to Italy to fight his way up to Rome in that crucial campaign, etc., etc.

http://www.milhist.net/88/313engr.html

Lots more if you follow those units on Google.

Bob

 

[LOBO]

Very, very cool!!

 

[Thuer]

Ykesssss I realy dont like it.