S&W WWII Victory Model What Is It Worth

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308win

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This revolver has been advertised for two weeks now as follows:

"S&W WWII Victory Model 38 Special Revolver, US Gov't Markings, 100% Original, Exc. Bore, Tight Action, Great Collectible Shooter! $365."

If it is as described what is it worth?
 
From www.armsbid.com

Lot 33 - Smith & Wesson - Victory Model - US military revolver - .38 Special, 4 barrel. - Condition is excellent plus. - 98%+ original dark gray military matte finish; excellent case colors & markings; excellent mech & bore; appears unfired since factory. Minor storage dings to smooth wood grips. - No ordnance inspection or military markings whatsoever, somewhat unusual for a wartime Victory model, might indicate civilian issue such as defense plant or Post Office. - s/n V11703 - C&R ffl - {hak-cx56} - (estimate 350 to 700)

The S&W Victory Model has taken a jump in value lately, but some are worth more then others. Those that have Navy or Marine Corps markings are woth more the those marked "United States Property," or "U.S. Property." So a question is, exactly what does the seller mean by U.S. Gov't Markings?

From my perspective, at $365 it would have to be like brand new. "100% Original" means that all of the parts are there, but doesn't say anything about how much original finish is left.
 
I agree with Old Fuff.

Without handling the gun, I just cannot say. I have seen "100% original" revolvers in 10% condition and less. They were, in fact, though, 100% original. That description is not really meaningful. Same thing goes for the markings. Why is the seller not stating what the markings read?

The seller, however, does describe it as a "Exc. Bore, Tight Action, Great Collectible Shooter". If that is true, then it is worth somewhere between $150 and $250 around here. S&W prices are regionally influenced, so it may be worth a bit more in your area.

Victory Models have taken a jump in value recently, spurred by the stratospheric price leaps of the M1911s. They also enjoy the S&W collector following. Internet auctions of nice examples have led owners of mediocre Victory Models to believe they have a similar gun. Thus, many sellers are very hopeful. The thing is though, a lot of decent Victory Models are out there. There are also a lot of screwy ones out there, because they once sold for very little, and amatuer gunsmiths worked them over. The 38/200 Victory Models are also called Victory models and may be .38 special conversions.

The thing that makes a Victory Model worth $300 and up are condition, condition, and markings. It has to be the right condition, a true 98%+ gun, and have correct, scarce markings to bring that kind of money. Somehow, I think this revolver does not, or the seller would say so.

In five or ten years, it may be a different story.

Here's more info.
 
I agree with Old Fluff & XB - $365 should bring a very nice Victory. I have seen some at local shows that were what I considered to be lower condition guns priced $350 - $400 but I didn't see then selling. I bought one for $270 last month, finish was maybe 80%, but it came with a period holster.
 
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I bought one last spring for $225.00 from a co-worker. A local gun shop was going to give him the same amount.

Parkerized finish (~80%), all matching serial nubmers except grips. Marked with "U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D." on the topstrap, made after May 1943.
 
victory

I purchased a us property 4in 38 special victory at gander MT a couple years ago for 265...sold it last year at a gunshow for $400...in 98% condition....
 
They have to have the right markings. I had one and it had paint under the grip panels. The guy that got it from me already had several and said that that was in line with the Navy history of the gun, so that it would not rust.

I sold it to him around 1998 and added $40 to get a 98% S&W M19, 6".
 
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