The S&W Pre-Victory and S&W Victory Models | Collector's & History Corner
The S&W Pre-Victory and S&W Victory Models | Collector's & History Corner
ASP’s Blog: (http://autoshowcaseproject.blogspot.com/)
ASP PRESENTS:
A Presentation of the S&W Pre-Victory and Victory Models that were used during WW2.
This is a historical overview of the S&W Pre-Victory and Victory Models used by the Allied Nations during WW2. The British Commonwealth used the S&W .38 Hand Ejector revolver (aka Pre-Victory Models). The cartridge used was the S&W .38/200. When the United States joined the war, Smith and Wesson then developed the Victory Model which used the .38 Special cartridge. The S&W Victory Model revolvers were used by the US Navy, Naval aviators, and Marine aviators. On top of the Victory models were specific labels such as US Navy, United States Property, or US Property. Sometimes on the Victory Models, the US Navy or US Property markings were shaved off by certain owners believing that it should be a civilian revolver instead. Famous people using the Victory Models were late President John F. Kennedy, US Marine aviator Pappy Boyington, and former President George H W Bush.
Also in the video is a safety lesson in regards to the use of revolvers.
Books Mentioned:
US Handguns of World War 2 by Charles Pate
(http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Handguns-World-War-II/dp/0917218752)
.380 Enfield No. 2 Revolver by Mark Stamps & Ian Skennerton
(http://www.amazon.com/380-Enfield-No-2-Revolver-Skennerton/dp/0949749168)
Pictures Used (licensed under Fair Use):
John F Kennedy on PT 109
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Lt._John_F._Kennedy_aboard_the_PT-109.jpg)
Former President George H W Bush
(http://www.nbcnews.com/id/19873440/ns/us_news-giving/t/ex-president-bushs-wwii-revolver-returned/#.Vyu_FPkrKUl)
US Marine Aviator Pappy Boyington
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Pappy_Boyington.jpg)
Oswald Revolver
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/OswaldRevovlerNARA.jpg)
More S&W Victory Model Info:
(http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/287974-pre-victory-victory-model-timeline.html)
NJACC Website:
(http://www.njacc.info/)
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TAGS
S&W Victory Model, S&W Pre-Victory Model, British Service Revolver, .38 Special, S&W .38 Hand Ejector, S&W Victory revolver, S&W Victory, S&W S-Victory Model, S&W .38 Victory Model, S&W .38/200, US Navy, US Naval aviators, US Marine aviators, John F Kennedy, George H W Bush, Pappy Boyington, WW2 revolvers, World War 2 revolvers, Smith and Wesson Victory Model, Smith and Wesson Pre-Victory Model, S&W M&P revolver, S&W Model 10 revolver, curio and relic, C&R, Victory Model, Victory revolver
Great info. I have my uncle’s s&w 38 from wwii. He was Col Earl E Bates Jr. Commander of the 79th Fighter Group. Flew a P40.(The 99th was attached to him in northern Africa. I have pics of him and Gen Monty.) I learned from this video it was a common wealth pistol. 996642 WE, 5"Barrel, 38 S&W CTG. We knew he brought it back from Europe after the war. I supposed it was his issue firearm, after watching your video he Probably got it from the Brits.
THANK YOU SO MUCH
I have a pre Victory, Canadian army marks and a previous owner shortened the barrel. 30Ft shooting distance gave it a drop of 2 inches. Ammo supply issues meant I used 50 year old surplus ammo and some had loads that did not fire… my gunsmith said I should convert it to .38 special but I could not butcher it, all numbers matched. Soon it will be deactivated to EU standard.
Great video. I love old revolvers too , I just picked up an old s&w 1905 service model. Don’t know much about the history on it , but would like to know where it’s been in it’s life. I only paid $150 for it so I know I got a good deal
my Dad has 5" victory model .38/200 that had a lanyard ring that some one had cut off before he got it there’s no import markings on it It has the v Mark then the lanyard ring then the 6 digets number starting with 2 3 as the first to digets Avery thing has matching serial numbers but there is another number on the swing out cylinder arm and the inside with a 5 diget number starting with 85594
Is it unsafe to shoot an M&P made for .38 S&W converted to .38 special with regular 158 grain ammo?
No dash numbers on them old s&w? 🔫
The holsters are just as interesting as the revolvers.
Researching a revolve my Dad had when he worked briefly as security at a LV casino. He purchased it at a pawn shop in LV. The serial number is V65xxx3, (for security reasons I’m not post the entire s/n) a non V-number 91886 is on the frame and crane at the hinge, on the cover or under it. On the rim end of the cylinder is the "P’ ‘V’ and 65xxx3 markings. The wood bark looking grips have 154253 stamped in one. There is no manufacturer marks anywhere. On the frame right side is MADE IN U.S.A., on the cylinder is ENGLAND with a crown and a couple of unreadable marks at the scallops. On the bottom of the 1-5/8" barrel is a Crown mark with small BNP then .3/8" .767" next line 3 1/2 TONS then some more unreadable markings. Other markings are a ‘P’ on the top strap left side. And what could be a ‘D’ above the 91886 on the frame. There is a plug in the handle frame where a lanyard swivel was. Finish is bright blue. Any way to get details on date and manufacturer
Wow these pistols are in terrible condition lol..
Thanks for the great video. I have a matching number 5"barrel model with what appears to be original commercial bluing finish, well worn S&W diamond stocks with silver medallions and lanyard ring. Chambered in .38 S&W Ctg. Appears to be three "crown" proof marks on barrel and frame, "NP" barrel stamp and frame crossed sword?. Large "P" stamp on top of barrel. Serial number 764184.
Had no Idea that these were worth that much $$ now got min back in the 80’s think it was $120, thought it was pretty cool 5 inch barrel 38 S & W WWII guess it’s 80 Yrs old now,
Excellent video i have one victory i live in Honduras and i’m an antique collector, i always appreciate the north american wapons are built with the best materials.
I own John Henwood’s 1997 book: America’s Right Arm: Smith and Wesson Military andPolice Revolver." Unfortunately I understand only 500 copies produced. In fact, this finebook may not even be available today. I have posted numerous online comments onclassic K-Frame Smith and Wesson .38’s and .357 revolvers it would be totally redundantto repeat here. Now, lets talk about the April 19th, 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in Nazioccupied Poland during World War II (1939-1945). It was a small number of handgunssmuggled inside the Ghetto that allowed Polish Jews and others to temporarily resistthe SS and hold out for a month. Unfortunately, most or all eventually died during thisact of Holocaust heroism. Watch online the 2001 video: "Uprising." The S&W .38 SpecialVictory Model is depicted in the 1954 movie "The Bridges At Toko Ri" which depicts aU.S. Navy aviator shot down over North Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953). Italso appeared in the 1963 movie: "PT 109." What else can I add here? A person armedwith a simple .38 caliber revolver and a survival or hunting knife, especially one skilledin outdoors survival, could no doubt not only defend and protect themselves, but likewisein necessary forage, hunt, and temporarily live off the land thus being able to survival.James A. "Jim" FarmerAshland, OregonNative Southern Oregonian since November 1956
thanks for the information.. I have a V1562XX Also have the holster, says Boyt Des Moines, IOWA on it..no year. I’m guessing its a first year Victory Model Navy issue. Are there any speed loaders that work with this model? Looks like it would be a tight squeeze since it doesnt swing out quite far enough.
Excellent review!!! I recently came across (my first and only) SV serial numbered Victory revolver in excellent condition with its US Property marking intact. The factory letter confirmed that it was shipped to the US Navy out in California in 1945. I love the simplicity of these old war horses, and believe they’re a thing of beauty!
An old retired cop in my hometown who was the department’s firearms instructor and a member of the civilian gun club I also belonged to related that after the War these guns in .38 Special were channeled into law enforcement as government surplus. The smaller .32s and .38s were thus phased out during the later 1940s and the S&W Model 10s and Colts Official Police came to standardization and dominance thereafter until the Glock ascension.
I’m posting this a second time.. I didn’t originally send this comment like the previous where words are not properly separated.
—Jim Farmer
I own John Henwood’s 1997 book: America’s Right Arm: Smith and Wesson Military and Police Revolver." Unfortunately I understand only 500 copies produced. In fact, this fine book may not even be available today. I have posted numerous online comments on classic K-Frame Smith and Wesson .38’s and .357 revolvers it would be totally redundant here. Now, lets talk about the April 19th, 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in Nazi occupied Poland during World War II (1939-1945). It was a small number of handguns smuggled inside the Ghetto that allowed Polish Jews and others to temporarily resist the SS and hold out for a month. Unfortunately, most or all eventually died during this act of Holocaust heroism. Watch online the 2001 video: "Uprising." The S&W .38 Special Victory Model is depicted in the 1954 movie "The Bridges At Toko Ri" which depicts a U.S. Navy aviator shot down over North Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953). It also appeared in the 1963 movie: "PT 109." What else can I add here? A person armed with a simple .38 caliber revolver and a survival or hunting knife, especially one skilled in outdoors survival, could no doubt not only defend and protect themselves, but likewise if necessary forage, hunt, and temporarily live off the land thus being able to survival.James A. "Jim" Farmer: Ashland, Oregon .Native Southern Oregonian since November 1956
The R8 is an exception to the rule,but granted that is for a specific purpose,not everyday duty carry.
Iam from México an I habe an especial 38/200 my cel number is +526391201724 call plis to send photos an see warh am have
Excellent video review. Well done! I was especially appreciative of the information about USMC marked Victories. Gun Broker has one up for sale right now claiming to be Marine Corps rather than US Maritime Commission. Saved me a bunch.
Is that Stan?
I have a victory model we the serial number is v154081 can you tell me anything about it, thanks
I respectfully disagree with the revolver being an obsolete design , it definitely still has its place ! Whether it’s for police back up or civilian application it is and always has been a choice
I have an original 4 inch pre-Victory serial number in the 892xxx range. No lend lease marks and no import marks. Great shooter.
Initially my response is you have great echoing acoustics that or the tinnitus is happening again either way good information about em
Where can I find this info on my s&w revolvers ? And is there a cost ?
very interesting
Many, many thanks for a mighty great history lesson on the Victory model. I just purchased what I thought was a Navy holster just like the one in your video but without the embossed U.S. on the flap. Probably a commercial model holster instead of military. Anyway still a perfect fit for my pistol.
Any idea what a Red letter Navy 38 special would be worth?
I work for an armed security company. I got issued a 1970s Model 10 in .38 special =/
The revolver is in no way obsolete! It still has its certain rolls to play in self defense.
What kind of value would you put on the rare Red letter Navy model marked on the top and side of the gun?
Can I shoot 38 special on a 4 inche victory ? It says 38 sw special on the barrel
I have the same revolver. How do u know frame type?
I can put a 9mm cartridge in the 38 revolver ??
Good afternoon friend, I would like to ask you a favor. I have a Smith & Wesson revolver and would like to know the year it was made. is there a website that i can consult. Thanks
I have a Victory model V640xxx with a top marking "U.S. Property GHD" any idea what GHD signifies?
Bad ammunition. You should practice like this to find out which ammunition is reliable, the same applies for semi auto magazines. "Throw away that ammo", you could loose your life because of it.
Its not the gun’s fault it skipped a round, it was operator ERROR.. You short stroked the 5th shot. Either you couldn’t complete the trigger pull or you can’t follow thru on that pull that’s why it skipped the sixth round.
Just resourcing a 38 sw my great uncle brought back from England it’s a 4” and has several crown stamps on the gun also a Parker Hale England front sight with a high luster finish it is now in 38 special serial number 880623
How do you get the number researched by S&W
Thanks for the great information
Those British holsters at 16:48 dont really fit the Victory well, the swing arm part of the frame snags and prevents the flap to be buttoned up. I encounter this problem with my 4" barrel, which is the maximum barrel length for a victory that will only just squeeze in. There is no way these holsters will fit a 5" barrel victory!