[frailn]

Hello everyone - Mike here, new to the forum. I'm looking for information on an old Smith and Wesson revolver that belonged to my great grandfather. It was passed down to me by my father. Great Grandad used to carry it for protection when he patrolled the train yard in Birmingham, Alabama, many moons ago. I'm not sure of the time when he worked the train yard - most likely in the thirties or forties, since my grandfather was born in 1939. But, I could be wrong.

Here is the information I have:

Markings
Right side of barrel: 38 S.&W.CTG
Left side of barrel: Smith & Wesson
Top of barrel: Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA
Patented Feb.6.06.Sept.14.09.Dec.29.14
Bottom of barrel, with cylinder open: V 95313

When I open the cylinder, I see the number 41152 on the frame.

On the back of the cylinder, I see the markings "V" and then "95313"

The butt of the handle also has the markings "V95313"

The barrel is five inches long from tip to barrel face.

The metal has a dark patina - not blue nor is it shiny like nickel or chrome. Not sure what the original color might have been.

The sight is not adjustable.

The cylinder holds six rounds.

I'm not sure what the difference is between the two numbers, "V95313" and "41152"

Any help would be greatly appreciated! I did some searching around the net, but could not find anything specific on this revolver. The only thing that came close in appearance was an old S&W .45.

I plan on sending off to Smith and Wesson for paperwork once I can afford the $50 and after they lift the hold on requests. I'll probably take this revolver down to the gun smith to get it cleaned up and any repairs it might need. It's been sitting in my sock drawer for 20 years, and my dad's sock drawer for many years before that. But, I think it's time to take care of it and get back to good condition. Makes a nice family heirloom, especially if I can get the research paperwork from S&W along with cleaning it up and storing it properly. Any advice on cleaning/storing would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Mike

[Jim Watson]

The official legal serial number is V95313. The other number is a "fitting number" used only internally at the S&W factory.

I am pretty sure you have a Victory Model S&W as furnished to the British in WW II, so it is probably a little later gun than you think. Caliber is .38 Smith and Wesson, NOT .38 Special (unless it was reamed out for easier surplus sale back in the colonies.)

[frailn]

Thanks! I was able to gather more information using the information in your reply. It looks like my revolver was produced in early 1942. I'm not too clear on when great grand dad worked the rail yards. But, I now know that this particular revolver was a civil defense issue during WWII. It would make sense that a CD commission could have issued the revolver to the rail road company and in turn issued it to my great grand dad for guarding the box cars.

I found some great information here:

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

[Jim Watson]

Makes sense, if it had gone to England it would have British proof marks; the old world government proof houses don't take anybody's word for the construction of guns.

Wonder how he got to work. My Dad was running street cars and driving buses in Birmingham during the War. And Mom worked at Bechtel-McCone where they upgraded B24s.

[frailn]

Yep, no British proof marks on this one. It does have the mark of Ordnance officer Waldemar Bromberg (WB). And there are no "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" or other such markings.

Small world! I'm not sure how he got to work. I'll have to ask my uncle. I'll let you know what I find out.