Smith & Wesson .38 S&W CTG
 Victory Model
Date: 1942 S/N V115380

The Victory model was so named for the "V" prefix which was placed before the serial number and represented "Victory" against the Axis powers in World War II. The revolver shown here was manufactured in mid 1942 and accepts the .38 S&W cartridge. The acceptance mark of Ordnance officer  Waldemar Broburg is located on the butt (to about serial number V145000) . The property mark was removed from the top strap on this revolver.  Just to the right of the inspectors mark (WB) is a ordnance bomb and proof mark. The "P" proof mark indicates this revolver has passed military proof testing. There were over 571,629 of these models produced between October 1941 and May 1945 for the British Common wealth countries.

Victory model revolvers played a significant role in World War II and even at the age of 60+ years old can be quiet accurate and very affordable for the historical arms collector. There had been reported use of Victory revolvers as late as the 1980s by U.S. and foreign military organizations.


Left Profile

Right Profile

S&W Logo

U.S. Property is removed

WB, Ordnance insignia (bomb),
and Proof Mark (P)

Cartridge marking

S&W Barrel Patent information

Cylinder crane and crane recess have
the correct matching numbers

Cylinder serial number

Barrel serial number

Color case hardened hammer

Color case hardened trigger


Cylinder release

Smooth walnut stocks
From the collection
of T. Moore

  • W.B. = Waldemar Broburg inspected from July 1, 1941 to June 16, 1942. G.H.D. replaced W.B.

  • Serial numbers are correct and matching. These are located on Inside right grip, frame butt, Cylinder, extractor star, and bottom of barrel. Crane and crane recess are also serial numbered to each other, but this is a different number then the revolvers serial number as is standard on most manufacturers revolvers.

  • 5 inch barrel

  • This revolver still has the original Sand-blast Midnight black parkerized finish and is at 90% condition.

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