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S&W questions...Added Photos

clickclick
I have a couple S&W revolvers that I am going to list on GB auction. I was wondering if anyone could tell me the date of manufacture on each.

The first is a 38 S&W with serial #V303839. Is the V for Victory? It is marked US PROPERTY GHD.

The second is a 38 S&W Airweight CTG in the original box, never fired. It is numbered J743005.

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Here are some photos!

Thanks all so far for the responses. The Victory has a strange-feeling surface, not like normal bluing... Is this parkerizing maybe?? Also is the holster original issue for the V?

The other S&W is a model 37. I think it has never been shot but is dirty & am not sure how to verify whether it has been or not. It is not mint but other than needing a cleaning it has some minor marks & is in very nice condition. I am considering buying this as my first handgun. Any comments - yay or nay?

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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    As far as the "Victory Model" is concerned, I don't know of a reference that give a specific year of manufacture, vis a vis the serial number(s)?

    My WAG is that it was made in the 1942/43 time frame.

    Your auction add will be better if you're more specific in reference to the caliber. They were made in both 38 S & W and 38 S & W Special, i.e. two different cartridges that are not interchangeable. I don't know how it is nowadays, but the Victories chambered for 38 Special sold for more money in the past. This was because of the greater availability of the ammo.
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  • nmyers
    Your first gun is a ".38 Military & Police Victory Model", which was made in the 1942-1945 period.

    No idea of what model your other gun is; the model may be on the frame where it is covered when the cylinder is closed. We probably need to see photos.

    Neal

    EDIT: The M37 was made in the late 1970's. All S&W's were test fired at the factory, so it really doesn't matter if it has been fired subsequent to that. It's "used", but I would describe it as in 99+% condition. A nice gun, definitely collectible with the original box & papers; they don't make them like that any more. The Victory has a sandblasted Black Magic finish which is similar to the parkerize process. Unfortunately the photos are so good that the overall light rust & pitting are easy to see. (You want to keep it WITH the holster, not IN it.)
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  • Laredo Lefty
    Your Victory model #V303893 should be in .38 Special caliber. As Rufe stated it was likely made around 1942-43. The ser numbers were V1 thru V769000 from 1942 to 1945.

    The "GHD" stamping is the inspectors stamping by Guy H. Drewry.

    The other revolver #J743005 was made about 1980 and is probably a model 37 or 38 if its an Airweight. If it has an exposed hammer, its a model 37. If it has a shrouded hammer, its a model 38.

    A model 37 would look like this.....
    [img][/img]IMG_0004.jpg

    A model 38 would look like the bottom gun here....
    [img][/img]50cal-smiths-randall-M60002.jpg
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  • rufe-snow
    The Victory Model looks to be in primo condition. There are what appear to little flecks of dried grease on the frame. Try to get them off with some solvent, rubbing them gently with a piece of cloth. The holster appears to be the kind of shoulder holster, that was issued with the the S & W Victory Model revolver, to Navy pilots. If the bore and chambers are in the same condition as the rest of the revolver, it would be a very hot item on the auction, for a military handgun collector.
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  • clickclick
    quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
    The Victory Model looks to be in primo condition. There are what appear to little flecks of dried grease on the frame. Try to get them off with some solvent, rubbing them gently with a piece of cloth. The holster appears to be the kind of shoulder holster, that was issued with the the S & W Victory Model revolver, to Navy pilots. If the bore and chambers are in the same condition as the rest of the revolver, it would be a very hot item on the auction, for a military handgun collector.

    I will give it a cleaning. You are absolutely correct about the holster as I just noticed it is stamped USN 43 BOYT on the backside. Thanks!
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  • Herschel
    I strongly suggest you leave all cleaning, leather reconditioning, etc. to the buyer. Anything you do to them can cut the value.
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  • MBK
    The caliber should be referred to as 38 Special...38 S&W means something different.

    You photos are so well done, you should submit a HOW TO Sticky.
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  • rsnyder55
    Your J frame is a model 37. You can see MOD 37 stamped on the frame in the 7th picture.
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  • clickclick
    WOW! So much helpful information! THANK YOU Very Much!

    I decided to not touch the victory as I don't want to mess up the finish. I wish I could afford to buy some of these firearms myself... I really like the Model 37 & I have yet to own a handgun - or long gun for that matter. [:D]

    MBK - "You photos are so well done, you should submit a HOW TO Sticky."

    Thanks MBK, photography has always been a big part of our family & we all love it. I would enjoy doing a thorough HOW TO sticky... Can anyone post a Sticky?

    EDIT - rufe-snow - "Send a e-mail to one of the moderators, explaining how you would like to have a "Sticky" regarding your photographic advice, i.e. creating quality close-up photos."

    Thank you sir!
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by clickclick

    MBK - "You photos are so well done, you should submit a HOW TO Sticky."

    Thanks MBK, photography has always been a big part of our family & we all love it. I would enjoy doing a thorough HOW TO sticky... Can anyone post a Sticky?



    Send a e-mail to one of the moderators, explaining how you would like to have a "Sticky" regarding your photographic advice, i.e. creating quality close-up photos.
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