Smith & Wesson Victory Model for opinions
I picked up a nice condition S&W Victory model. The victory model was made during WWII from Early 1942 until 1945 starting from serial #V1 until VS811119. Please note the V is part of the serial number for transferring purposes. This one was made sometime after May of 1943 based on location of inspectors marking and proof mark. I would like to get a bit closer on dating if anyone has additional information. The serial number should appear on the butt, cylinder face, bottom of barrel, on the extractor and inside the right grip. These need to all match to be correct. There are two additional numbers on the crane and inside the recess. These need to match each other but are not related to the serial number of the gun. The grip on this one does not have a number so likely replaced at some point. The finish suffers from a bit of poor storage, likely left inside a holster. The finish during this period was a sandblast midnight black according to some sources. I call it a dark parkerized sandblast finish. Earlier guns have a more blue sandblast finish and later were just parkerized. This one was made for the Lend Lease program for the British Commonwealth countries as noted by the 5" barrel and 38 S&W chambering. The US guns were in the 4" and rare 2" and more rare 6" but chambered in the 38 Special. Thoughts and opinions are appreciated.
John
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by MAP
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