Smith & Wesson S&W Victory Model .38 Spl 4″ WWII Revolver 1942-1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1575
LSB#: 211202RY02
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Victory Model
Serial Number: V715057
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 (no letter prefix), and rear flat of the yoke (no letter prefix) are marked with matching serial number “V715057”. 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 with a flaming bomb and “U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D.”. The left side of the frame is marked “P” behind the top corner of the frame. There are inspection marks on the crane, its cut, and the sides of the grip frame. The rear face of the cylinder is also marked “S”. The barrel flat is also marked “P”. The inside of the right grip panel is stamped “715057”.
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 a few scattered light handling marks. There are no major defects. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is a ding on the right edge of the top strap. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. There are light handling marks. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent 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 box marked G.H.D. and with an ordnance department crossed cannons. In the box is a sealed cleaning rod.
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 one is truly exceptional, it appears unissued and comes in an ordnance department cardboard box. This revolver would make a phenomenal addition to a WWII, U.S. Martial, or Smith & Wesson collection and is truly worth putting on display. Please see our photos and good luck!