Navy USN Smith & Wesson S&W Victory Model .38 Spl 4″ WWII Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1802.99
LSB#: 220307KW054
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: U.S. Navy Victory Model
Serial Number: V86761
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 “V86761”. 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 interior of each grip panel is marked “CHARLES / STALSBY / OAKDALE LA”, “2006”, “WWII”, and the interior of the left panel is also marked “MADE / 1943 / WWII”.
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 little draglines and compressions. There is light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a couple of pinpricks in the bore, no heavy erosion or pitting.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is finish loss on the edges and there are scattered areas of thinning. There are some scattered areas of discoloration, most noticeable on the left side of the frame and frontstrap. There is some patina on the grip frame. There are some scattered rubs and scuffs. There are a few little nicks and dings. There are some spots of minor scabbing and erosion on the side of the grip frame under the panels. The hammer and trigger have thinned. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. The screwheads are mostly sharp. The main markings clear, some of the smaller markings are light. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good 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: None.
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 U.S. 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. While we did get the Victory and win WWII, the revolvers went beyond the call of duty and were used long after the conclusion on the conflict. Continuing after WWII, regulations prohibited the 1911 and 1911A1 from being carried with a loaded chamber, this made racking the slide a difficult task for aviators as well as K9 handlers so revolvers were the clear choice. The preferred issue of revolvers for aviators lasted quite a while, and Army helicopter pilots even used Victory Models until they replaced them with modern double action 9mm semi-autos, a testament to the S&W design. This is a nice example of a revolver that has made its contribution to keeping the world free and will be a nice addition to a WWII or U.S. martial collection. This one is a Navy contract revolver and has Navy markings on the topstrap. Better yet, this one comes from the collection of author Kevin Williams, best known for his outstanding work on the topic of General Officers Pistols & Clandestine Organization Pistols of WWII. 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!