Revolver Question... S&W "V"

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    RoadDawg

    RoadDawg

    Nos nostraque Deo
    Dec 6, 2010
    94,462
    I have an old S&W .38 Special, Victory Revolver. It has a parkerized finish. It was made during the period of WWII (1942 - 1945) and the serial # V21XXXX tells me that it was one of the earlier production models. There are no "U S Gov" markers on it which tells me that it was most likely issued for guard duty in the states or for Merchant Marine usage. There were some unmarked 4 inch revolvers that were issued to the OSS.

    I would like to know if anyone has any information on what these may be worth to a collector.

    Thanks for your replies in reference.

    RD
     
    A

    ADR

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 17, 2011
    4,171
    No idea Dawg but it sure sounds cool. Post some pics when you get a chance.
     
    Boom Boom

    Boom Boom

    Hold my beer. Watch this.
    Jul 16, 2010
    16,834
    Carroll
    I've been following Victory revolvers for awhile. Depending on condition, my guess at value is $400 to $700. They are currently undervalued, IMO. Original finish would help the value a lot. Most I've seen are crudely refinished.
     
    rfawcs

    rfawcs

    Si Se Pwodway
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 15, 2008
    693
    Waldorf, MD
    Not more than any other Model 10/M&P. Value is mostly determined by condition and any special markings, or an unusual variation.
     
    RoadDawg

    RoadDawg

    Nos nostraque Deo
    Dec 6, 2010
    94,462
    ADR said:
    No idea Dawg but it sure sounds cool. Post some pics when you get a chance.
    Click to expand...
    When I get a chance... [chance obtained see below]
    Sling Blade said:
    Yeah man, you know the rules.
    Pics or it didn't happen. :bullhorn:
    Click to expand...
    See above... :thumbsup:
    Boom Boom said:
    I've been following Victory revolvers for awhile. Depending on condition, my guess at value is $400 to $700. They are currently undervalued, IMO. Original finish would help the value a lot. Most I've seen are crudely refinished.
    Click to expand...
    Original Parkerized finish - intact and in great condition.
    rfawcs said:
    Not more than any other Model 10/M&P. Value is mostly determined by condition and any special markings, or an unusual variation.
    Click to expand...
    The Parkerized versions were issued to the Navy for the most part and are marked with the "U S Gov" identifier. A small number of the Parkerized pistols were issued, sans "U S Gov" markings, to Local Guard Units and Merchant Marines. That is what I have. The only deficiency is that it is lacking the lanyard loop that attaches to the butt of the frame. Otherwise it is in great shape.

    Thanks for the "return mail".

    IMG_0443.jpg
    [/URL][/IMG]
     
    Last edited:
    Biggfoot44

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    33,252
    To further narrow it down, yours is probably a '42 or '43. In '44 they transitioned to improved transfer bar, and s/n's of VSxxxx .
     
    ma_deuce

    ma_deuce

    Ultimate Member
    Mar 2, 2011
    3,113
    Lovely Timonium, the Heart of Cummings Country
    Suggest you go to Smith-Wessonforum.com. Those folks will be able to give you a lot of information. If you go to Smith-Wesson.com, you can fill out the request for a factory history, pay your fee, and and in due course Mr. Jinks will write you back on official letterhead with the gun's whole history as known to the factory.
     
    RoadDawg

    RoadDawg

    Nos nostraque Deo
    Dec 6, 2010
    94,462
    ma_deuce said:
    Suggest you go to Smith-Wessonforum.com. Those folks will be able to give you a lot of information. If you go to Smith-Wesson.com, you can fill out the request for a factory history, pay your fee, and and in due course Mr. Jinks will write you back on official letterhead with the gun's whole history as known to the factory.
    Click to expand...

    Thanks... I already have the PDF for the request from S&W... But your help is appreciated.
     
    101combatvet

    101combatvet

    Active Member
    BANNED!!!
    Dec 7, 2011
    736
    RoadDawg said:
    I have an old S&W .38 Special, Victory Revolver. It has a parkerized finish. It was made during the period of WWII (1942 - 1945) and the serial # V21XXXX tells me that it was one of the earlier production models. There are no "U S Gov" markers on it which tells me that it was most likely issued for guard duty in the states or for Merchant Marine usage. There were some unmarked 4 inch revolvers that were issued to the OSS.

    I would like to know if anyone has any information on what these may be worth to a collector.

    Thanks for your replies in reference.

    RD
    Click to expand...

    The OSS had Victory Models in 2, 4, and 5 inch barrels. No way of telling what serial number ranges were delivered to the OSS. The grips may have been changed out.
     
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