Smith & Wesson S&W Navy Victory Model .38 Spl 4″ WWII DA/SA Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $3025
LSB#: 210826DW19
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: U.S. Navy Victory Model
Serial Number: V98000
Year of Manufacture: 1942-1945
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the top is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED FEB.6.06. SEPT.14.09. DEC.29.14”, the right is marked “38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG”. The butt of the grip frame, barrel flat, rear of the cylinder, front of the ejector star, and rear flat of the yoke are marked with matching serial number “V 98000”. The side plate has S&W’s monogram logo, the right side of the frame is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”. The topstrap is marked “U.S. NAVY”. There are inspection marks on the crane, its cut, and the sides of the grip frame. The inside of the right grip panel is stamped “98000”.
Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The revolver has a square notch at the end of a groove in the top strap and a half-round blade front sight fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. There are some scattered light handling marks with a few light compressions. There are a few tiny dings on the bottom edges. Overall, the grips are in about Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Black Magic
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is scattered thinning. There are some little spots of frost scattered over the surfaces. There is a faint patina building on the grip frame. There are some spots of discoloration from previous oxidation on the hammer and trigger. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are mostly clear and strong. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with some light side-to-side play. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a leather flap holster.
Our Assessment: At the beginning of WWII S&W began producing their M&P revolver for military use. They added a “V” for Victory to the serial number; this iteration thus became known as the Victory Model. As we entered the fray, we were producing them for US forces as well as for our allies. Victory model revolvers were standard issue for Naval and Marine aviators as well as guards back in the States at defense installations and factories supporting the war effort. This one is a Navy contract revolver and has Navy markings on the topstrap. This one will be a nice addition to a WWII collection and is still a K-frame .38, perhaps the benchmark for a .38 duty or defense revolver and will certainly serve faithfully for lifetimes to come. Please see our photos and good luck!