Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Victory Model
Serial Number: V621926
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1944
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Barrel Length: 4", Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. The inside of the right panel has "621926". The grips show minor handling wear with only a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Sandblast Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is a little stubborn fouling including spots of lead in front of the forcing cone. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There are a few light nicks and scratches, mostly on the right of the frame and sideplate. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a green canvas belt with J.H. Heiser leather flap holster, canvas pouch with Handy Pad Supply First Aid Packet Carlisle Model in sealed tin, fabric pouch with 40" Triangular Bandage in cardboard packaging and a 50-round box of Valcartier Industries M41 Ball .38 Special cartridges with 1968 headstamps.
Our Assessment: At the beginning of WWII S&W began producing their M&P revolver for military use. They added a "V" for Victory to the serial number, this iteration thus became known as the Victory Model. As America entered the fray, they were produced for U.S. forces as well as for our allies. Victory model revolvers were standard issue for Naval and Marine aviators as well as guards back in the States at defense installations and factories supporting the war effort. While America did get the Victory and win WWII, the revolvers went beyond the call of duty and were used long after the conclusion on the conflict. Continuing after WWII, regulations prohibited the 1911 and 1911A1 from being carried with a loaded chamber, this made racking the slide a difficult task for aviators as well as K9 handlers, so revolvers were the clear choice. The preferred issue of revolvers for aviators lasted quite a while, and Army helicopter pilots even used Victory Models until they replaced them with modern double action 9mm semi-autos, a testament to the S&W design.
This is a nice example of a Victory Model and will be a nice addition to a WWII or U.S. martial collection. It will display well with the included belt and holster rig. Of course, it is also a K-frame .38, perhaps the benchmark for a .38 duty or defense revolver and will certainly serve faithfully for lifetimes to come. Please see our photos and good luck!
