Victory Model?

[jfh2841]

I have a bone or ivory handled Smith and Wesson marked .38 special ctg on the barrel. It has a lanyard ring and serial number of V396XXX on the butt and cylinder. I am thinking that this is a victory model ctg from the early 40s but not sure. Does anyone have an idea on what this is and approximate value. Probably a conservative 80% on condition

 

[Art Doc]

CTG is simply an abbreviation for cartridge. It's not a model designation.

The V serial prefix IDs it as WW II service pistol made for use by U.S. military (and some were sent to security companies, PDs, etc.). The U.S. guns are usually 4" barrel length in 38 Special caliber. The similar guns made for Great Britain were generally 5" in 38 S&W caliber.

These are collected but collectors want pristine, unaltered examples. Yours appears to have been refinished at some point. Still a great revolver and a good shooter but no collector interest in this one. It would most likely sell for around $350 +/- in most markets. Although prices can vary wildly.

If the stocks are ivory, they could sell for $200-$300 by themselves. Bone would be much less value.

 

[jfh2841]

Old Victory Model

Thanks for confirming what I thought. I am thinking it was manufactured in the early 40s because of the serial number. I purchased it in 1974 and it had been blued at that time. The grips are ivory and show beautiful patina. I am not concerned with the value as much as confirmation of what I thought it was. I appreciate it.

 

[RodGD]

Does it have any property markings? Usually it would be stamped on the top strap. Also look for an ordnance stamp, flaming bomb, on the butt near the serial number. If it has no property stamp on the top strap it may be worth the $50 to get a factory letter. This would show who it was shipped to. My non-property-stamped Victory that was handed down to me from my dad was shipped to the Hershey Chocolate Company of Hershey Pennsylvania. They were considered a defense industry.

 

[jfh2841]

No Property Stamps

It doesn't have any property or ordinance stampings but does have a series of patent dates on the top of the barrel,
Feb 6, 06, Sept 14, 09, Dec 20, 14. Matching cylinder and frame numbers and matching cylinder/frame serial numbers. I actually carried it for a while in my first road patrol assignment.

 

[DWalt]

I have a bone or ivory handled Smith and Wesson marked .38 special ctg on the barrel. It has a lanyard ring and serial number of V396XXX on the butt and cylinder. I am thinking that this is a victory model ctg from the early 40s but not sure. Does anyone have an idea on what this is and approximate value. Probably a conservative 80% on condition

It probably left S&W about September 1943. Without the typical "U. S. Property" stamping on the topstrap, it was likely made for stateside use by law enforcement, defense plant security guards, etc. It's estimated that over 70,000 Victories were distributed for that purpose through the Defense Supply Corporation (DSC). As noted earlier, it has no collector value as it is not in its original condition. Actually, if refinished, the original condition is 0%. It might be worth $300-$350 as a shooter.

The grips are interesting, and may be worth as much as the gun if they are not plastic. You might want someone who can identify Ivory look at them.