Need info on WW11 Victory model S&W

[pasquot]

My friend, who does not have internet access, has a Victory model 38 Special revolver. Specs to follow:

S&W 6 shot 38 Special revolver, 4" tapered bbl. parkerized finish, Round walnut butt, but not checkered, with a laynard ring at the bottom.

Serial #s V463xxx

On the top of the frame it states: U.S. PROPERTY; GHD

We would like to know what GHD stands for., in addition to any other interesting info including value

 

[No_Brakes23]

Who won the 11th world war?

 

[Old Fuff]

The letters "GHD" stand for Brig. General Guy H. Drewry, who was in charge of government inspection of arms manufactured at Smith & Wesson as well as some Colt's during the war.

After April 24, 1942 S&W added the letter "V" before the serial number. During late 1944 the company incorporated a new hammer block (safety) which they still use today at serial number: V 769,000 and changed the letter from "V" to "VS" to indicate which revolvers had the new the new safety. At the same time, and into the future, they took back older guns and reworked them so they also had the new safety. Most of these were stamped with the letter "S" before the "V" to indicate the modification, as the military wanted to be sure which guns had, or didn't have the much more reliable safety. I think your revolver is probably one of these modified guns. You can tell because the reworked guns have a square notch cut out of the hammer face under the firing pin.

Most of these revolvers were used to either arm Navy pilots flying off of aircraft carriers in the Pacific theater, or defense plant security guards or police officers within the United States.

Value would depend on condition, but probably would range between $175.00 to $300.00.