smith wesson Victory price check

[bikemutt]

I stumbled onto a 1941 Victory thats for sale, part of a very large collection. The gun is in beautiful, almost new condition. It feels as tight as any smith I've handled. Grip is original with lanyard ring intact. There a couple of very, very minor marks in the matte finish.

I'm in love but a first date is going to cost me $650, negotiable.

I may be off by a year or two, but pretty sure its 1941.

What say the experts?

 

[rcmodel]

I just gave $500 for this one a year ago.

Appeared unfired until the deceased vets grandson shot it three times to see if it worked!




A lot of the price between a $500 and a $900 dollar gun depends on the exact markings on it.

"U.S. Property & GHD" on top strap like mine. = Most common.
"U.S. Navy" on top strap = Add more money.
"Property of U.S. Navy" below thumb latch = Add a lot more money.

It would have to be 1942 or later, as that was the first year they made them.

rc

 

[bikemutt]

Thanks RC, I don't believe this gunshop's indication of negotiable would include that much of a drop. I may call them come Monday to see where they're at but I won't hold my breath.

I must say though, I was overwhelmed with how good that simple revolver felt in my hand.

 

[rcmodel]

The thing is, they probably won't have to come down much.

I figured mine was under the going rate.

If you want sticker shock, check out what they want for them on the internet auctions.
http://www.gunauction.com/buy/10990...del-10-'victory'-38-spl.-85-percent-condition!

http://www.gunsamerica.com/97012951...lver/Smith_Wesson_Victory_Model_10_38_S_W.htm

rc

 

[Old Fuff]

Need more details. The Pearl Harbor attack occured on December 7th, 1941 - or 3 weeks before the end of the year. During 1941 S&W was making the .38-200 version for the the British and allied countries. Up until about the first part of December they were finished in commercial bright blue with checkered walnut stocks. But in November, 1941 they started using the plain, uncheckered kind. Serial numbers run all over the map because at the same time they were making revolvers using current production frames as well as others made up years before, and mixing them all up. Uncle Sam didn't place any substantial orders for .38 Special Victory Models until about November, 1941. Keep in mind that over time many early Victory Models were referbished and refinished (Parkerizing with plain walnut stocks). If this is the case it isn't worth the asking price.

 

[bikemutt]

Keep in mind that over time many early Victory Models were referbished and refinished (Parkerizing with plain walnut stocks). If this is the case it isn't worth the asking price.

That's what I think we have here. I'll pass on this one. I stand by my offered observation about how good it felt to handle, not a reason to overpay, just an observation.

 

[Walkalong]

I paid $300 cash for mine about 4 or 5 years ago. It is a nice example, but not pristine. It is a favorite to shoot. The DA is much nicer than the newer guns.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=114634&stc=1&d=1265037487

It doesn't have "U.S. Property & GHD" or "U.S. Navy" or "Property of U.S. Navy" anywhere.

All it has on top of the barrel is:

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD. MASS. U.S.A.
PATENTED FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09. DEC.29.14

with SMITH & WESSON on one side of the barrel, 38 S.&W. CTG on the other side

It has NOT ENGLISH MAKE stamped on the barrel and the frame. It has little crown/bomb looking things. Three on the barrel and one in between every cylinder notch. One on the frqme below the pin for the barrel. It has what looks like crossed swords and EB by the back of the trigger guard. It also has a P on the frame in front of the hammer.

 

[Old Fuff]

I stand by my offered observation about how good it felt to handle, not a reason to overpay, just an observation.

Darn!! Ya' wasn't suppose to notice...

The Victory Model was nothing but Smith & Wesson's regular Military &Police .38 Special or .32-20 revolver, as it was made from 1905 through about 1946. These peace time production guns were much finer finished in either blue or nickel plate, with checkered walnut stocks rather then plain ones. The revolver's balance, size and feel are identical to what you handeled, as is the smooth "long" double action.


You can shop in a much wider market and still find what you are looking for.