S&W 38 Special CTG

I

iringtwice

Inactive
I am looking for info on a S&W 38 I own. It is a chrome plated 6 shot revolver with a V serial # and L5 89 963 stamped in front of the cylinder(on frame) on but of grip in front of the V is an odd stamped symbol, looks somewhat like the US Army Ordnance corp, flaming grease ball as we use to call it. It belonged to my grandfather who may have gotten it in the 20's? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
 
What length barrel? Many of those were "chrome plated" in bumper shops. They were also cut down in barrel length and otherwise abused. Those numbers don't mean a thing to me, where are they located exactly? Is it possible that it was the U.S. PROPERTY marking? It was usually rolled across the top of the V models. 38 S&W is available. I would put the era closer to 1940s vintage. A gunsmith should check it over to ensure safety.
 
38 special

It has a 4" barrel. When you open the cylinder the #s are stamped on the frame under the end of the barrel. Don't think that this one is a cut down model, chrome is perfect and the sight looks to good the be a do over. That odd stamping is on the but, very small, I used a magifying glass to make it out. Grips are checkered.
 
It is a redone Victory from WWII or a parts pistol. Those were blued or parkerized rough from S&W originally. The grips are more than likely replaced as smooth grips were standard issue. I would only guess that the underbarrel letters/numbers were some kind of control or property number. I have 0 idea about the butt marking, I doubt it is a US Ordnance flaming bomb marking. Could it have been a nickel finish instead of chrome? Is there a lanyard ring and swivel in the butt? It would be worth around $130.00, +/-. It is pretty much a used, refinished and reduced in value K frame.
 
38

The grips are S&W grips. They have the S&W silver emblem enlayed into them. As to nickle or chrome, well I don't what the difference is so maybe the pictures will help. The symbol is to the left of the V. I appreciate your help.
 

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Those images help.

I agree - - it is a WW-II vintage Victory Model version of the standard Military & Police or Hand Ejector revolver.

I'd like to see a photo of the entire right side of the barrel.

S&W supplied these revolvers in both .38 Special and .38 S&W caliber (the British called it the .380/200, though most of their military ammo was loaded with a jacketed bullet of about 174 grs.) Most of the ones sent to Britain had the five-inch barrel, and, even at the height of the wartime emergency, were British proofed and so marked. You are so detailed in your accounting and illustration of the markings, I doubt this is a British service S&W.

Most of the four-inch guns were in .38 SPL and went to the Navy for aviation use. I imagine this particular item is in .38 SPL, due to what you correctly figure is the Ordnance flaming bomb. The lanyard loop stud had been ground off prior to the refinishing, and the S&W Magna style stocks are a replacement. Many, but not all, of the US revolvers were stamped "U. S. Property" along the top of the frame.

Such refinished revolvers may be excellent shooters, but many suffered in the process. I suggest you take it through the procedure Jim March describes in his excellent article, "Buying a New Revolver." Go to the menu at the top of this page, in the center of the top line, and click "Library." The article is at or near the bottom of the Contents list. If the old revolver passes, it should be okay to shoot with all standard loads. While these were good, solid firearms, I'd be a little hesitant to shoot any .38 Special loads marked "+P" through it.

Best of luck,
Johnny
 
OK. Yes, pictures DO say a lot. I agree that is a Ordnance flaming bomb. The revolver was polished and some markings were obscured. The frame is marked with a control number in my opinion. The lanyard ring stub is probably held in place by a removable pin. The grips are replaced but, nice. I too agree that it should be fine with 158 gr 38 Specials. It looks nice. I would NOT clean the revolver with Hoppes #9 though. Your finish may suffer due to ammonia contamination. I suggest Tetra aerosol for cleaning.
 
right side pics

I really appreciate the advice and info you are supplying me. Here are pics of the right side that you wanted. THANKS! :)
 

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That is a nicely put together revolver. The parts for most any 1905 model S&W up through the M10 series will almost all interchange with your Victory WWII 38 Special. Check Numrich under their S&W section for Victory model diagrams and parts listings. K frame grips fit your revolver so you can use modern square butt grips on yours.
 
revolver info

Thanks for the info! You have helped a lot in the history of this pistol. It was used by my grandfather when he was a security guard, so for me to now own it is a sentimental thing. Thanks again! :)
 
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