S&W Victory model - holster and markings questions

[gunsrfun1]

Hello - I recently acquired a Victory Lend-Lease model in .38 S&W with all relevant matching numbers, and I'm hoping someone can answer a few questions: 1) Can anyone tell me anything about the canvas holster that came with it. The lettering on the inside of the cover seems to read “MS&UL to 1941”. The button to close the cover says “United Carr Canada,” which is a firm that I believe made military hardware such as buttons and clips during WW II. 2) The gun has various proof marks (other than the American proof marks), which I believe were put on by the British after the war, when they re-proofed the gun prior to further use. These include various “BNP”-with-crown marks, as well as the following marks .38 .767” 3 ½ TONS. I believe this refers to the caliber and shell casing length (basically .38 S&W), and the fact that the gun was proofed to a certain pressure. Am I basically correct on this? 3) S/N of the gun is V 7247XX, curious if anyone can date it. Thanks and hopefully the pictures uploaded to help you.

 

[Lone Star]

You pretty much answered your own questions. The holster is the basic Pattern 1937 for .38 revolvers.

I think it came into use at least by then, for if you see the film, "Drums", you will note that officers in the Indian unit have this holster and the new .38, adopted about 1932. (Enfield .38; they didn't order S&W and Colt guns until after the Dunkirk withdrawal in 1940.) The movie was made about 1937-38.

You will see other holster options on the 1857-1945 section of the board at www.smith-wessonforum.com where I post as Texas Star.

Be sure to also check out the post there about the South African .38/200, which has a four-inch barrel. I think you have the more common five-inch barrel? Prior to April, 1942, these S&W's were shipped with four,five, and six-inch barrels. After that date, the bluing was changed to dull gray inish, and only five-inch barrels were shipped to Commonwealth nations.

Lone Star

 

[FPrice]

S/N of the gun is V 7247XX, curious if anyone can date it.

Probably late 1944 to early 1945.

 

[Old Fuff]

Remove the stocks and see if the letter "B" is stamped on either side of the frame, where it would be covered. It is known that some revolvers with this mark were shipped to Canada. A long shot, but who knows?