Which WWII S&W Military and Police Revolver is the better collectors option

[Rockrivr1]

I’m looking at two identical 1942 S&W Military and Police revolvers in 38 S&W and I have the chance to get one of them. Out of the below two which do you think is the more collectible? They are:

1. Victory model from the UK with UK stamps including the British crown

2. US Navy model with US Navy stamped on the top of the barrel. Also includes misc stamping from US inspectors.

Leaning towards the US Navy Stamped but not sure.

 

[VaTom]

US Navy would be my choice if conditions were equal.

 

[robertrwalsh]

A U. S. marked and used revolver in .38 S&W (not Special) would be strange indeed.

 

[quikdraw67]

I’m looking at two identical 1942 S&W Military and Police revolvers in 38 S&W and I have the chance to get one of them. Out of the below two which do you think is the more collectible? They are:

1. Victory model from the UK with UK stamps including the British crown

2. US Navy model with US Navy stamped on the top of the barrel. Also includes misc stamping from US inspectors.

Leaning towards the US Navy Stamped but not sure.

The British issue would be .38 S&W and a 5" barrel IIRC

The US Navy issue would be .38 Special and a 4" barrel IIRC.

If that's the case the US Navy one would be the easy choice IMHO.

Maybe someone with more detailed info on the Victory series could chime in to clarify.

 

[kwill1911]

The BSRs, in .38 S&W caliber, were marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" because they were sent under the Lend-Lease Act.

 

[murphydog]

To get into the weeds a bit:

Most US collectors would opt for the U.S. Navy marked .38 Special, due to its relative scarcity and availability of ammunition.

But consider nearly all K-200s (.38 S & W) Victory Models went overseas. Many returned here (as this one sounds to have) with commercial British proof stampings after being sold as surplus...but if you want to try to find a scarce to rare one, look for a pristine example that has not been refinished and without a chopped barrel, or importer or proof marks.

 

[Muley Gil]

To get into the weeds a bit:

Most US collectors would opt for the U.S. Navy marked .38 Special, due to its relative scarcity and availability of ammunition.

But consider nearly all K-200s (.38 S & W) Victory Models went overseas. Many returned here (as this one sounds to have) with commercial British proof stampings after being sold as surplus...but if you want to try to find a scarce to rare one, look for a pristine example that has not been refinished and without a chopped barrel, or importer or proof marks.

AND, hasn't been reamed to .38 special.

 

[Fessor]

If it is truly a Navy Victory model the US stamp should be on the top of the frame or on the left side, not on top of the barrel.

 

[cmansguns]

The Navy is probably a fake!

If the Navy is marked as the OP states, i.e. on "top of the barrel" then it is most likely a fake. Also the genuine US Navy (marked on the top strap) did NOT have any other US Inspector marks, or flaming bombs, or any other government markings. Lastly the Victories in USA were all 38 Special, not 38 S&W.

Granted there were us government inspector marked Victories that SHIPPED to the Navy after the Army took over the procurement duties, but these would be accompanied by a Letter or some other provenance showing same.

Might want to pass on either of these guns if you do not personally know and trust the source.

 

[cmansguns]

See Letter and original invoice for Navy pic'd above

Thought I would add a copy of my factory Letter and a copy of the invoice showing the December 1942 shipment to the Navy.

For the OP, show the serial number of the supposed Navy Victory if you can and you can see if it is in the range of 1942 Victories that actually went to the Navy. There were not that many because the Army took over.

 

[cmansguns]

As murphydog said....a scarce to rare one!

A good friend of mine has just what Alan (Murphydog) alluded to in his post above. This is a Lend Lease 38-200 (S&W), BSR, 5" with absolutely no import marks or any British proof marks.

This one also has a US Navy connection. I've seen this gun and always enjoy the "back story". My friend and colleague of many years, a Viet Nam vet also a gun collector, M1 fan, 03-A3, M1917 (Colt or S&W) fan...you get the picture, told me how he came in possession of this gun:

His Father-in-Law was a US Navy officer, in command of a LST off the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 and they took aboard a load of wounded to go back to England. One of them was a British officer who gave this gun to my friends FIL who brought it home in his sea-bag.

Like said..........this one is one of those neat ones that got by the system and if I ever get the chance this is one where I would gladly buy the story as well as the gun..

Enjoy the pics

 

[murphydog]

A good friend of mine has just what Alan (Murphydog) alluded to in his post above. This is a Lend Lease 38-200 (S&W), BSR, 5" with absolutely no import marks or any British proof marks.

This one also has a US Navy connection. I've seen this gun and always enjoy the "back story". My friend and colleague of many years, a Viet Nam vet also a gun collector, M1 fan, 03-A3, M1917 (Colt or S&W) fan...you get the picture, told me how he came in possession of this gun:

His Father-in-Law was a US Navy officer, in command of a LST off the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 and they took aboard a load of wounded to go back to England. One of them was a British officer who gave this gun to my friends FIL who brought it home in his sea-bag.

Like said..........this one is one of those neat ones that got by the system and if I ever get the chance this is one where I would gladly buy the story as well as the gun..

Enjoy the pics

Cool gun and story. Exactly the scenario when an original, unaltered BSR might show up today.