Friend just bought a victory .38 spl. I would say very good mehanical condition with some holster wear. Anyway, the serial number is: V 346829. Diamond grips, do not know yet if they match the revolver. He also got an older flower carved Hunter holster with it. Great price, $150. I saw the revolver for just a quick glance today, he had just got it and was in a hurry, so didn't get a real chance to look it over. Hope someone can identify the year and reveal the source as to find the serial numbers.
Victory Year of Manufacture
- Thread starter Igiveup
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
A Victory model should have smooth service stocks.
OP
He hasn't had a chance to look for a sn on the grips, but it was my understanding that some of the early ones still had the diamond grips. I actually bought last spring one at a gun show that had the diamond grips and they did not match the revolver and I put a set of smooth grips and replaced the missing lanyard loop.
Anything with a V in the serial number should have smooth grips. Some of the pre-victory guns had checkered grips.
From 1943. Stocks would definitely be smooth walnut.
OP
JP@AK, thank you for the date. I don't know if friend will change the grips or not. He did mention that he was going to get the lanyard ring, so when I tell him about the grips he might change them. Where did you find the date information?
The approximate breakover points are known from several sources:
April '42 begins the V prefix - ending 1942 at about V210000
'43 ending about V490000
'44 ending about V740000
'45 SV units start shipping; highest war shipment c. SV802000
April '42 begins the V prefix - ending 1942 at about V210000
'43 ending about V490000
'44 ending about V740000
'45 SV units start shipping; highest war shipment c. SV802000
DWalt
Member
As a shooter, it makes little difference what grips are on it. But for a Victory made in 1943, the period correct grips would have been smooth wood round tops without medallions. There are numerous variations of checkered K-frame grips, with and without medallions, some of them scarce and desirable. Whatever grips are now on it should be positively identified before doing anything with them.
OP
Well, just got an offer to buy the revolver. Going to town anyway, so will get to see it and check it out. Thank you for your help. Is there any source for years of manufacture?
If you are an S&WCA member there is a Victory Database on their website.
Some of the guys here keep track of posts and have compiled there own databases.
The guys have given you a good estimate.
You can order a letter of authentication for $100 that will tell you what day your gun shipped and where it went and some information on how it was equipped.
Some of the guys here keep track of posts and have compiled there own databases.
The guys have given you a good estimate.
You can order a letter of authentication for $100 that will tell you what day your gun shipped and where it went and some information on how it was equipped.
Last edited:
OP
Years ago I got a couple revolvers lettered at $50 each. Just can't bring myself to spend $100 per revolver unless it really something special. It is great information, though.
DWalt
Member
Post a picture, or better, pictures showing all markings here and provide a serial number. You will find out what you need to know. It is seldom worthwhile to order a letter for a Victory.
I have V159236 that I know went to a California Police Dept during the war, but I don't know which one?...If it was LAPD or SFPD, it would be worth the letter, but not if it's somewhere like Rattlesnake Hole CA near the Oregon border.
Mr. Walker, I think you should letter your gun. I decided a while back to letter all of mine. I consider it a donation to SWHF, a worthy organization. Plus I get a free letter out of the deal.
I have another Victory that I know is former NYPD, but I haven't lettered it either....I am going to send that one off.
Similar threads
