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
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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.
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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.
OP
I think if a Victory were issued to " Rattle Snake Hole in Ca. that would be more fun to know v.s. a big city issue.
clocks&guns
Member
Hello all. I have had this Victory for quite a while. I'm looking for some feedback on it if possible. My apologies in advanced for the orientation of the pics. And hopefully they are clear enough to comment on, if not let me know and I will make another attempt.
SN V254534
Several BNP markings, frame, barrel, cylinder
Has older rubber Pachmayr (the Gripper) grips that do not fit well.
Top left backstrap - United States Property
My guess is was part of the Lend Lease program and came back to the states after WWII as military surplus. There is also a hand etching the says ESA 1977 on the right side of the frame.
Is it possible to determine when and where is shipped and was returned to the US? Does the etching have any significance?
Any comments of the finish? Condition? It appears to be original bluing. Trigger and hammer look unfinished.
I may end up on my list to sell. Is there any value in buying walnut grips and a lanyard ring for it?
Thank you in advance
SN V254534
Several BNP markings, frame, barrel, cylinder
Has older rubber Pachmayr (the Gripper) grips that do not fit well.
Top left backstrap - United States Property
My guess is was part of the Lend Lease program and came back to the states after WWII as military surplus. There is also a hand etching the says ESA 1977 on the right side of the frame.
Is it possible to determine when and where is shipped and was returned to the US? Does the etching have any significance?
Any comments of the finish? Condition? It appears to be original bluing. Trigger and hammer look unfinished.
I may end up on my list to sell. Is there any value in buying walnut grips and a lanyard ring for it?
Thank you in advance
ordnanceguy
Member
Hello Clocks:
Your revolver likely shipped from the factory in the March, 1943 time frame. It was indeed a Lend Lease gun. The British proofs on it that are visible to me are post-war commercial proofs applied after it left military service. The current blue finish appears to be a refinish as its original finish was Black Magic.
The refinish has hurt its value for any appeal to collectors. Therefore, I do not think that I would invest the time and money to secure a new lanyard ring and replacement smooth walnut stocks.
The ESA 1977 marking is a puzzler and unlike any other I have seen. It is not a military marking and, thus, it further hurts the value somewhat. I don't now what significance it has although I suspect that it reflects the initials of the individual owner in 1977.
I hope that information is helpful to you.
Regards,
Charlie
Your revolver likely shipped from the factory in the March, 1943 time frame. It was indeed a Lend Lease gun. The British proofs on it that are visible to me are post-war commercial proofs applied after it left military service. The current blue finish appears to be a refinish as its original finish was Black Magic.
The refinish has hurt its value for any appeal to collectors. Therefore, I do not think that I would invest the time and money to secure a new lanyard ring and replacement smooth walnut stocks.
The ESA 1977 marking is a puzzler and unlike any other I have seen. It is not a military marking and, thus, it further hurts the value somewhat. I don't now what significance it has although I suspect that it reflects the initials of the individual owner in 1977.
I hope that information is helpful to you.
Regards,
Charlie
Not to me...It wouldn't help the value, so the juice wouldn't be worth the squeeze.
clocks&guns
Member
Hello Charlie. Thank you for the information. You have been very helpful. I do have one more question if that's ok. I did some additional research yesterday afternoon and I recall reading that the Victories that were manufactured for the US military were indeed black Magic, while the ones specifically made for Lend Lease where blue. Perhaps due to cost? Thoughts? For my education on future purchases, generally speaking, other than caliber and the marking on the backstrap are there any other indicators this was LL?
Thanks again!
Ken
kwill1911
Member
I'm not Charlie, but this is untrue. They were all Black Magic. You may be thinking of the earlier British Service Revolvers that were purchased by the Brits. They were the traditional high polish blue, which is actually much more expensive due to the polishing involved. Sandblast and dip blue is about as cheap as you can get.
clocks&guns
Member
Thank you for the clarification!
