Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic double/single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police “Victory” Model.
After the conflict, many of these revolvers were surplussed and later saw continued use by law enforcement agencies in the United States. In addition to domestic surplus sales, many Victory revolvers were supplied to police forces in post-war Germany within the American Occupation Zone. Revolvers encountered with backstrap markings such as “WB-S” reflect this secondary service. In this context, “WB” denotes Württemberg-Baden, a state formed under U.S. administration after 1945, while “S” typically stands for Stadtpolizei, meaning City Police. Additional letters often identify the specific municipality, and accompanying numbers represent departmental inventory designations. These markings are not factory or U.S. ordnance inspector stamps, but rather property marks applied by German police agencies, illustrating the extended service life of the .38 Military & Police "Victory" Model beyond World War II military use.
This particular revolver bears the “WB-S-STG 301” marking on the backstrap, indicating that it was once property of the Württemberg-Baden City Police in Stuttgart. The “WB” denotes the post-war American-occupation state of Württemberg-Baden, “S” signifies Stadtpolizei (City Police), and “STG” identifies the city of Stuttgart. The “301” is the individual inventory or property number assigned by the municipal police. These markings confirm its service with German municipal authorities after World War II and reflect the extended life of this American-made Victory Model beyond its original military use.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38 Military & Police “Victory” Model
Serial: V657711
Date of Manufacture: 1942-1945
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Sandblast Black Magic
Barrel Length: 5" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Round Blade Front with Fixed Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the barrel is stamped “SMITH & WESSON”. The top of the barrel is stamped “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS., U.S.A. / PATENTED FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09.DEC.29.14.” The left side of the top strap is stamped with a small flaming ordnance bomb and “U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D.” The left side of the frame -above the cylinder release- is stamped with the letter “P”. The right side of the barrel is stamped “.38 S.&W.CTG”. The right side of the sideplate is stamped with a large S&W logo. The right side of the frame is stamped “MADE IN U.S.A.”. The back strap is stamped “WB-S-STG 301”. The butt is stamped with the serial number “V657711”.
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.
Model: .38 Military & Police “Victory” Model
Serial: V657711
Date of Manufacture: 1942-1945
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Sandblast Black Magic
Barrel Length: 5" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Round Blade Front with Fixed Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the barrel is stamped “SMITH & WESSON”. The top of the barrel is stamped “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS., U.S.A. / PATENTED FEB.6.06.SEPT.14.09.DEC.29.14.” The left side of the top strap is stamped with a small flaming ordnance bomb and “U.S. PROPERTY G.H.D.” The left side of the frame -above the cylinder release- is stamped with the letter “P”. The right side of the barrel is stamped “.38 S.&W.CTG”. The right side of the sideplate is stamped with a large S&W logo. The right side of the frame is stamped “MADE IN U.S.A.”. The back strap is stamped “WB-S-STG 301”. The butt is stamped with the serial number “V657711”.
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 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.
In addition to domestic surplus sales, many Victory revolvers were supplied to police forces in post-war Germany within the American Occupation Zone. Revolvers encountered with backstrap markings such as “WB-S” reflect this secondary service. In this context, “WB” denotes Württemberg-Baden, a state formed under U.S. administration after 1945, while “S” typically stands for Stadtpolizei, meaning City Police. Additional letters often identify the specific municipality, and accompanying numbers represent departmental inventory designations. These markings are not factory or U.S. ordnance inspector stamps, but rather property marks applied by German police agencies, illustrating the extended service life of the .38 Military & Police "Victory" Model beyond World War II military use.
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.
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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. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1158537292 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-03-08 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
590 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-03-08 17:06:38 |
