Victory Model

[Dick Craig]

I am not a serious S & W collector but I have weak knees when certain items are waved under my nose. I am curious as to what is a fair price for a Victory Model. The local gun shop has one Ser. No. "V 87xxx" in about 90% original condition and priced from the Blue Book. The asking price is $480.00. I'm thinking more like $375.00. Am I too low/high? Thanks in advance.

 

[Art Doc]

Latter half of 1942, probably. A 90% gun won't thrill a serious collector. In my worthless opinion your estimate is closer to reality than is the shop's and to be honest I wouldn't pay even that much for it. The 38 Special version usually brings more than the British gun but I still think around $300-$325 for what you describe. But remember, my opinion is totally worthless.

 

[Goony]

A 4" barrel in .38 Special, or a 5" barrel in .38 S&W? Matching stocks? U.S. Navy marking on the topstrap,or even below the cylinder latch, too? All these factors bear on giving you a good answer.

I can say it's pretty early for a Victory, probably shipped in late 1942.

 

[Dick Craig]

I did forget to mention it has a 4 inch brl, 38 special, and no military makings except for a weakly stamped ordnance stamp. I'm guessing it was a comercially sold gun.

 

[Goony]

They weren't commercially sold, per se. Sounds like a DSC gun, though. I'd check to see if the stocks match - if so, I think I'd try to pick it up. While $480 is on the steep side, you won't miss a $100 surcharge in ten years, but you might still be kicking yourself for that nice old Victory you let pass by. At least I'd make them an offer, no harm in that. But at "book" price or thereabouts, you want those stocks to match!

 

[Dick Craig]

Goony, thanks for the information and probably good advice. I'm old enough I don't want to plan for the 10 year idea, but I still get weak knees for certain guns and this is one of them. I still have room in one of the gun safes.

 

[opoefc]

It does sound like it's a DSC gun, and some of them went to some very interesting destinations. Victory Models don't follow the rules of percentage of original finish, etc. like commercial S&Ws will, in that a 90% of the original dull finish is a very good gun, as those Sand Blast Blue & Black magic finishes weren't intended to stay prestine. If there's no rust, pits or serious scratches,and stocks are original, a 90% Victory has collector appeal. Make a down payment, conditional on them lettering the gun. You should be lettering the gun, anyway, as all DSC guns should be lettered, and that saves you the $50 (unless the guns on consignment, and most consignors would drop the price $50 to make the sale.) . Ed.

 

[Dick Craig]

It is on consignment and has been in the counter for some time. I believe I will make an offer and see what happens. The worst case is I dont have to bring it home. Thanks to you all for your help.

 

[jpage]

That's realistic price for Kalifornia unfortunately

 

[trikster]

Not only CA but for the Blue Book also. The book put my Victory at $500. The book is like the one for cars... It is a guide, not definitive.

 

[Norton 750]

I never overpay for Smith and Wessons...sometimes I buy a little early, but the market always catches up with me. If you want it, buy it! A night on the town would consume the same amount of difference you are talking about, and you will have the Smith forever!

 

[JSR III]

I agree with Norton. Just think of what that steak dinner and $40 bottle of wine becomes the next day. The S&W will only go up in value. Make them an offer and bring cash. Lay the 100 bills down on the counter and see what happens. Money talks and BS walks.