Smith & Wesson .38 Special
 Victory Model
Date: 1942 S/N V12549

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 1942 and accepts the .38 Special cartridge. This is a very low serial numbered Victory model, it has been reported by several sources that most of the first 40,000 "V" marked revolvers shipped were in the .38 Smith & Wesson cartridge. This appears to be a DSC order as it is void of any markings except the serial number and soft fitting markings inside the crane and crane recess. No property, acceptance or proof marks. It appears a Unit marked the bottom of the grips with "CG" and "13", these are post factory marks.  All serial numbers on this revolver match.

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
Color case hardened hammer

Serial number
"CG" and "13" marking
Barrel legend
Cartridge marking

Cylinder serial number
Cylinder crane and crane recess have
the correct matching numbers
Barrel serial number

Color case hardened trigger
Smooth walnut stocks
Top strap

From the collection of T. Moore

  • 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.

  • 4 inch barrel

  • This revolver still has the original Sand-blast Midnight black parkerized finish and is at 80% condition.

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