[rocketvtx]

I have S&W 38 special that has been passed down to me and I would like to learn more about it. #on butt is V145384, brownish grey in color, dark walnut grips, 4" barrel, left side is engraved US 2000-53-150, last patent is 12-29-14. I was told by my father that this was my great uncle's service pistol. Gun appears to be in very good condition. Thanks for any help.

[glockman19]

I show it as being a .38 Military & Police (Model of 1905 - 2nd change), 98%-$1,400, 95%-$1,225, 90%-$1,050, 80%-$850.

2007 Blue Book of guns 28th edition.

[Jim K]

Hi, glockman and rocket,

Glockman is ignoring the "V", which indicates the gun is the famous S&W "Victory Model". These were WWII production and are desireable collectors' items. If you uncle was in U.S. service, it should be in .38 Special and probably has the legend "U.S. Property" on the topstrap. The gun was made about mid-1942.

Unfortunately, the engraving of that number effectively destroyed the collector value. It could be a military serial number, but the form does not appear correct, as those were usually written as xx-xxx-xxxx.

Jim

[rocketvtx]

Uncle was born 1891 and out of army before 1921, to old for WW2. Had no children so no one to ask for more details. Thanks for replys

[Jim K]

Assuming it is a Victory Model (and the "V" indicates it is), it could not have been issued to your great uncle prior to 1921. It was probably bought by him after WWII, when they were sold at gun stores or for $29.95 by mail order.

I believe you have encountered the common family belief that a gun that belonged to a veteran must have been his service weapon. This is usually not true because for the most part it was illegal for a veteran to retain his issue weapon or to bring any U.S. or allied weapon home. (In WWII, captured enemy weapons were brought back legally, but not U.S. weapons.)

Jim