WW2 Navy Smith & Wesson Victory Model .38 Special 4″ DA/SA Revolver C&R

More Sold Post-1900 U.S. Military Arms

SOLD FOR: $1,125.99

LSB#: LSB251216DH065

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Hand Ejector, Victory Model, Military & Police

Serial Number: V193280

Year of Manufacture: 1942-1945 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out fluted Cylinder with hand ejector.

Markings: The top strap is marked “U.S. NAVY.” The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.U.S.A. / PATENTED FEB.6.06. SEPT.14.09. DEC.29.14”. The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the right side of the barrel is marked “38 S&W. SPECIAL CTG”. The butt of the grip frame, underside of the barrel and rear of the cylinder are marked with the serial number ” V193280″. The right side plate has an S&W monogram logo and the frame’s right side is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”. The crane cut is marked “40071”. The right grip is marked with the matching serial number “193280”.

Barrel Length: 4″ Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half circle blade machined into the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch channel machined into the top-strap of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece, vintage plain Victory model grips. The right grip is marked with the matching serial number “193280”. There are multiple compression marks and scratches in the grips. There is a lanyard ring screwed into the butt of the grip frame. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion but there is minor fouling in the bore near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: The retains about 40% of its Parkerized finish. There are multiple scratches on the frame, barrel and trigger guard. There is heavy thinning on the leading edges, cylinder flutes and at the muzzle. The cylinder has a turn line and wear in the cylinder stops. The screw heads are tool marked but sharp. The markings are clear but some are faint. Overall this pistol is in Good Condition for C&R.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well on each chamber with moderate side-to-side play. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory Letter stating that the gun was shipped on Dec 17, 1942 and delivered to the U.S. Navy in Oakland CA.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Victory Model revolver is one of the most recognizable American service sidearms of World War II, produced in large numbers by Smith & Wesson to support U.S. and Allied military forces. Based on the long running Military & Police platform, the Victory Model incorporated a Parkerized finish for improved durability and faster wartime production, along with simplified features suited to military issue. These revolvers were widely issued to the U.S. Navy, Army, and various Allied forces, serving as sidearms for personnel such as aircrew, guards, and support troops.

This example is particularly desirable due to its “U.S. NAVY” topstrap marking and accompanying factory letter confirming shipment on December 17, 1942 to the U.S. Navy in Oakland, California. Documented Navy issued revolvers are sought after by collectors as they provide a direct and verifiable link to wartime service. The early “V” prefix serial number places this revolver in the initial production period of Victory Models, further adding to its historical appeal.

Chambered in .38 Special, this revolver reflects the variation of Victory Models produced for U.S. forces, as many Allied contract guns were chambered in .38 S&W. The revolver retains its original Parkerized finish, now worn to about 40 percent with thinning on the edges, cylinder, and muzzle consistent with service use. The bore remains bright with defined rifling, and the action functions correctly with a smooth double action pull and crisp single action break. The matching numbered grips add to the overall originality of the piece.

With its documented U.S. Navy shipment, early production serial range, and honest wartime wear, this Victory Model represents a solid and collectible example of a WWII service revolver. It would make a great addition for collectors of U.S. military firearms, especially those focused on naval issue sidearms or Smith & Wesson wartime production. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!