[Mervyn_b]

I just got a S & W from a friend of mine and would like any info (value, history etc.) It is a .38 Smith& Wesson Special CTG; has a smooth walnut grip with lanyard toggle on the butt of the grip. To one side of the toggle is the letter V and on the other 498 685. It has a 4" barrel with fixed sights and a dull steel finish ("parkerized"). Serial numbers are located on the inside of the right grip, frame butt, cylinder, inside of the extractor star, and at the bottom of barrel and they all match. The number on the crane and crane recess are different from the serial number (39847). The patent dates are Feb 5 06, Sept 14 09 and Dec 29 14.

It has got a "P" marking on the underside of the barrel, back of the cylinder and left side plate and a "W" on the left side of the butt of the grip.

Furthermore, it's got more markings and they're attached to this thread.

Any info. would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

[rufe-snow]

Click on this link, http://coolgunsite.com/index.html Go to the menu on the left side of the screen. Click on "rev. gallery" Excellent information on various "Victory Models" that S & W made during the War. Values vary depending on markings, condition, caliber, originality etc. etc.


Just noticed the German proof marks and retailers marking. After W W II, some U.S. firearms were provided to the German civilian police, this revolver MIGHT? be one of them.

"Hege-Waffen" was the trade name used by Wilhelm Hebsacker a very large German firearms dealer/distributor active in the post W W II period.

[Mervyn_b]

Thx for your reply.

So ... "HEGE SCHW HALL" marking, most probably means that it was re-distributed by Wilhelm Hebsacker of Hebsacker Gesellschaft, Hege GmbH & Company of Schwabisch Hall, W.Germany .

:)

[rufe-snow]

IMHO it would have more collectors value with the Bavarian Police? markings, rather them being milled off and replaced by Hebsacker's logo.

[BEARMAN]

http://coolgunsite.com/pistols/victory_model_smith_and_wesson.htm