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S&W 38

efauser
s&w 38 third model double action revolver 3.25" barrel
serial # 120397
original finish is mostly gone on frame and barrel.
date of manufacture? value?

couldnt find any in auction at this time.

thanks for the help.
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • efauser
    I was given this gun. Im not a collector type. Any info about this gun like when it was made and what the star in the ser# is for?
    Its a s&w .38 spcl like the one in the link. It has CTG on the barrel
    http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=345493163


    Ser# has a star in it, *2140XX.

    thanks
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  • dcs shooters
    With the V serial number it is a M&P model. As it has had the barrel cut down and plated, it's only value is for a shooter, if someone want's a odd ball. The hole in the grip is for a lanyard ring.
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  • efauser
    Thanks. What's M&P?
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by efauser
    Thanks. What's M&P?

    It refers to the "Military and Police" model revolver. (Smith and Wesson has now co-opted that traditional name for their recent-design polymer semi-automatic service pistol).

    This was a .38 revolver built on Smith and Wesson's medium pistol frame (now known as the "K" frame). Essentially the same gun has been known as the Smith and Wesson model 10 since Smith went to the gun numbering system in the 1950s. During WWII, the guns went by the name "Victory" model.

    These were (obviously) intended for military and police use, and gazillions of them were made and used this way since the end of the 19th century.

    Most American ones were chambered in .38 special, though during the second World War, a large number of the "Victory" model revolvers in the older .38SW caliber were sent to England as part of the wartime lend-lease program.

    These guns are notable for the round "half-moon" front sight, fixed groove rear sights, smooth actions, and (in service models) the lanyard rings on the butt. See below.

    Surplus models of these were common enough that many served as gunsmith projects with chrome/nickel plating, cut down barrels, etc.

    smith1a.jpg
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by efauser
    Thanks. What's M&P?


    It stands for "Military & Police". This is how Smith & Wesson identified this particular revolver model during it's years of production. The "V" prefix on the serial number dates the manufacturer to the World War II time frame, when S & W was making them under contract for the U.S. military. Value would be based on condition, it would be best if you could post quality photos, for help in valuation.
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  • efauser
    Here's a photo

    pistol.jpg
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  • rufe-snow
    It appears that the 2" barrel might be original? This is a great shame as original 2" Victory Models, are quite scarce. It would have been worth very good money to a collector. Because of the aftermarket plating there is no collectors value to the revolver that I can see, except for the grips if they are authentic Ivory? Excluding the grips, if it's functional my WAG it would be in the $200-$300 range.
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  • efauser
    The grip is definitely ivory. How can you tell if it's aftermarket plating? The trademark is very clear on the right side. I've take some additional photos.


    pistol3.jpg
    pistol4.jpg
    pistol5.jpg
    Pistol2.jpg
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  • dcs shooters
    In your picture of the right side, you can see where the logo on the side plate has been polished too much. Look at the difference between the logo and the "made in USA" letters.
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  • rufe-snow
    quote:Originally posted by efauser
    The grip is definitely ivory. How can you tell if it's aftermarket plating? The trademark is very clear on the right side. I've take some additional photos.





    There are two reasons I don't believe the finish is original.

    1, The Victory Model series were made during war time for military and paramilitary use. According to my reference, "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson", none were nickel plated.

    2, The S & W's that I have seen that came from the factory Nickeled, had their hammers and triggers unplated. They were either blued or case hardened.
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  • givette
    Another tidbit: Bootlegging ceased in 1933 (Repeal). First Victory (by name-with the "V" prefix on the butt) came off the assembly line in early WWII. They were wartime production only.

    Best, Joe
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