Whats It Worth?

[fishinpete]

I acquired this S&W Victory model back in 1972 when National Guard members were allowed to purchase firearms from the DOD. I never shot this revolver. It has matching serial numbers except for the grips. US Navy is stamped on the top strap. It did its service at the Naval Yard on Mare Island, as it is marked NYMI - 249. The bore is bright and the timing is exceptionally well for its age. Sorry about the upside down photo, couldn't figure out how to fix it without redoing the post.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! There are several prominent Victory Model experts here but I am not one of them.

However, US Navy marked guns are seen only in early VM production, and Mare Island guns make up an even smaller percentage. So I would guess it is worth $750 or so to the right collector, looking to fill a gap in the arsenal.

And feel free to shoot it with any standard pressure .38 Special; some sailor already did. Enjoy!

 

[fishinpete]

Thanks for your response. It is reaching the top of my to do list, to smell its burnt powder after being in mothballs since 1972. Older S&W revolvers has recently cause me to switch my interests. Couldn't think of a better place to join to enhance my knowledge.

 

[Donald Paul]

... hi there:

... welcome Pete.
Lots of info and fun here.
{Love those victory models}.
-Donald

 

[Babysitr]

Welcome from Illinois. A lot of us have and shoot old Victory models, fun and lots of history!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

I'm as intrigued by your holster as I am by your Navy Victory. Is it stamped "Boyt 43" on the back? Yours is only the second one of those I've seen.

 

[fishinpete]

Not a Boyt. It is marked R.I.A. MAT 1-55. I believe the history of the holster is, it was produced by Rock Island Arsenal in the late 40's or early 50's for military revolvers. and was preserved and placed in storage in 55??

 

[murphydog]

I think the acronym stamped there is “MRT”, for mildew resistant treatment. Don’t know if that is a production or treatment date.

 

[fishinpete]

Correct MRT. From what I read it was the treatment date.

 

[ordnanceguy]

It has matching serial numbers except for the grips.

FishinPete:

Nice example of the Victory there, and I like the back story as well.

Would you mind letting me know what the complete serial number is so that I can add it to the Victory Model Database? You can send it to me via PM if you don't want to post it here.

Thanks.

 

[cmansguns]

Welcome from Virginia

Welcome to the Forum from Virginia!

You got a nice one there with that Navy Victory. Even though that finish looks rough, it is smooth to the feel.

Mine is also a Navy and because I had heard that fakes abound with these guns (especially the so-called Red Navy) I went ahead and Lettered mine (s/n V 192216) and it shipped Dec. 17, 1942 to the Navy in Oakland, CA. so genuine real McCoy.

Some other details can be seen in the Letter of Authentication copy attached.

My guns has been enjoyed now by 3 generations, myself, my son, my grandson most recently (14 yrs old) seen in the one pic. He had not fired any gun larger than .22 until he shot this Navy and he was very good too.

Hope you and yours enjoy that one you have as much. They are terrific war horses, and along with a 1911A1, and a M1 Garand just cannot be beat for fun range day.

 

[fishinpete]

Thanks for the family history behind your Victory model. Three generations, WOW! and hopefully many more. My old saying, if old guns could only talk!

 

[Waveski]

Welcome -excellent debut.
Very desirable revolver , given the markings—- priceless as an heirloom.
It is worth all of $750 , maybe more in my opinion.

You really should shoot it , but be warned:
Expect a very nice trigger.

 

[towery1973]

I acquired this S&W Victory model back in 1972 when National Guard members were allowed to purchase firearms from the DOD. I never shot this revolver. It has matching serial numbers except for the grips. US Navy is stamped on the top strap. It did its service at the Naval Yard on Mare Island, as it is marked NYMI - 249. The bore is bright and the timing is exceptionally well for its age. Sorry about the upside down photo, couldn't figure out how to fix it without redoing the post.

Hello gentlemen,
I just purchased a very similar Victory with white-filled "N.Y.M.I.- 254" markings on the left side and unfilled "U.S. Navy" on the top strap. Five numbers away from yours, FishinPete. It came with the same type of leather holster, RIA dated 6-54. When I figure out how to post pictures, I will be glad to. The serial# is in the V21,XXX range and numbers match everywhere except the grips, which are checkered and have medallions. More to come, and thanks in advance for the help!

 

[towery1973]

Victory N.Y.M.I.

Per my post of last night, here are a few pics of the new acquisition. Wondering if it’s worth the $100 for a letter…

 

[DWalt]

A letter probably won’t tell you much information you don’t already know, but it might be a worthwhile addition. BTW, the grips are not original. If you can post the SN stamped inside the right panel, they can be dated, probably late 1950s. I don’t know anything about holsters.

 

[ordnanceguy]

Towery:

Nice Victory. If you can supply the complete serial number I can provide you with a good estimate on when and where your revolver shipped. You can PM me if you prefer.

Regards,
Charlie

 

[glowe]

I think the estimates are high for just the gun?? I see a well worn example with the OP's gun, and discounting the holster, they are selling on Gunbroker for the $250 - $400 range for all branches of service. The early contracts to the US Navy totaled near 100,000 guns, but the attrition rate for salt water use is higher than other military guns, Might bring an additional $100 for some in conditions near the OP's. The holster is not near as old as the revolver which probably shipped in 1942 or 1943, but without the serial number we cannot know for sure. There were almost 750,000 BSA & Victory "V" models manufactured.

Three examples that recently sold on GB are below are to compare to the OP's gun. First 2 images show a 38 Victory sold for $255, third image is of a 38 Victory Army that sold for $330, and the last 2 images are of a 38 Victory Navy that sold for $556.

 

[murphydog]

Gary;

The post is about 16 months old but even with that my guess of about $750 still stands, even with “gunflation” factored in.

The first two VMs in your photos are 5” .38/200 BSRs, which tend to go for less than .38 Specials. The last one is in .38 Special and at a fair price in the current market, but I would guess it is more worn than the OP’s gun and does not have the Mare Island Navy (stamped) connection, so an extra $150 or so above its value seems reasonable to me.