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.38 Special S&W

tholley
NEED HELP Hello, I have a .38 Special S&W 6 shoot handgun. There is a serial number on the bottom of the hand grip #977746 and also a number behind the cylinder which is #22160. There is a lanyard holder on the bottom of the hand grip; there are 4 screws on the right side as well as 1 screw on the trigger guard. The handle grip is wood with no designs on it with 1 screw in the middle of the grip. It is in good working order, the trigger has been filed down on it. What year was it manufactured and value if any. Thanks for the help Tom.
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  • rufe-snow
    Per your description and serial number, the Smith appears to be what is called a "Victory Model". These were revolvers made during World War II for the U.S. military and defense industries. Yours is one of the higher serial numbers, and probably dates to in either 44 or 45.

    Need quality photos for definitive identification and valuation though. There is a "STICKY" near the top of our main page with instructions for posting photos in the forum.
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  • givette
    If by "Behind the cylinder", you mean the recess in the frame that is visible when the gun is opened, that is an assembly number used in house, and has no bearing on the pedigree. If the stamping you refer to is on the rear face of the cylinder itself, and doesn't match the number on the bottom of the butt, then the cylinder has been replaced.

    If by "Trigger has been filed" you mean that there is a visible alteration to the trigger, or the trigger guard, then don't expect any more than $250 at auction here on Gunbroker. Gunshop buying a Victory with a visible alteration and mismatched parts will be lucky (for you) to give you about $125-$150. Sorry, it is what it is. Best, and good luck! Joe
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  • CDMead
    I would suggest by your description you have what is referred to by collectors as a "Pre-Victory."

    These pistols are typically blued, with 4 inch barrels and smooth or checkered walnut stocks with a lanyard ring.

    Based upon the serial number I would estimate your pistol was shipped in May or June of 1942. FYI - once serial number 999999 was reached, the line was renamed the "Victory Model" and the serial numbers started over at V1.

    There should be matching serial numbers on the bottom of the butt, on the cylinder face, under the extraction star, on the bottom of the barrel and on one of the grip interior surfaces.

    Again, without pictures it would be very difficult to suggest value.

    I hope this helps.
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