Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this world war II era revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police “Victory” Model!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38 Military & Police “Victory” Model
Serial: V543701
Date of Manufacture: 1942-1945
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 2" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The Cylinder is stamped with British “Crown over BNP” proof marks. The Cylinder face and the under barrel are stamped ”V543701". The butt is stamped “V543701”. The Barrel, Cylinder, and Frame are all serial number matching.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Victory Model is a historically important revolver produced during World War II, originally developed as a variant of the pre-war .38 Military & Police model, first introduced in 1899. Designed specifically for military and allied forces, the Victory Model was primarily produced under U.S. government contracts. It was chambered in .38 Special, typically featured a 4" barrel, and had a durable steel frame, making it reliable and tough enough for combat. One of the defining features of the Victory Model was the "V" prefix in its serial number, marking it as part of the wartime production series. Around 1.1 million of these revolvers were manufactured, most of which were issued to the U.S. Navy and Army, with others sent to the British and Allied forces through the Lend-Lease program.
Model: .38 Military & Police “Victory” Model
Serial: V543701
Date of Manufacture: 1942-1945
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 2" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The Cylinder is stamped with British “Crown over BNP” proof marks. The Cylinder face and the under barrel are stamped ”V543701". The butt is stamped “V543701”. The Barrel, Cylinder, and Frame are all serial number matching.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Victory Model is a historically important revolver produced during World War II, originally developed as a variant of the pre-war .38 Military & Police model, first introduced in 1899. Designed specifically for military and allied forces, the Victory Model was primarily produced under U.S. government contracts. It was chambered in .38 Special, typically featured a 4" barrel, and had a durable steel frame, making it reliable and tough enough for combat. One of the defining features of the Victory Model was the "V" prefix in its serial number, marking it as part of the wartime production series. Around 1.1 million of these revolvers were manufactured, most of which were issued to the U.S. Navy and Army, with others sent to the British and Allied forces through the Lend-Lease program.
The Victory Model was finished with a parkerized coating, a matte, corrosion-resistant finish that helped the revolver withstand the harsh conditions of military service. Early production models lacked Navy markings but were later stamped with "Property of U.S. Navy" on the left side of the frame. After Army Ordnance took over procurement in 1942, the marking changed to "U.S. Property G.H.D.," indicating the involvement of Colonel Guy H. Drewry, head of the Springfield Ordnance District, where the revolvers were manufactured. Some Victory Models also featured a lanyard ring on the butt, designed to prevent the weapon from being lost in combat. During the early stages of production, quality control issues arose when the Navy bypassed Army Ordnance's inspection process.
However, these issues were eventually resolved when the Army Ordnance assumed control of procurement and enforced stricter inspection and quality standards. The Victory Model became known for its solid construction, smooth action, and ease of maintenance, earning a reputation as a reliable sidearm for U.S. military personnel and Allied forces throughout the war. After the conflict, many of these revolvers were surplussed and later saw continued use by law enforcement agencies in the United States.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
