Skip to main content
Curiosa
Sign InTry a scan

S&W Victory Model Revolver (.38 S&W CTG, British Service Pattern)

World War II Smith & Wesson Victory Model revolver with 5 inch barrel and parkerized finish on a canvas belt. - view 1
1/2

Estimated value

$450 - $750

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Militaria

Brand

Smith & Wesson

Era

1942-1945

Origin

🇺🇸 United States

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
5

S&W VICTORY MODEL REVOLVER (.38 S&W CTG, BRITISH SERVICE PATTERN): IDENTIFICATION

A .38 caliber double-action military revolver featuring a 5 inch barrel and pinned front sight. The frame displays the standard Smith & Wesson trade mark on the right side plate and is marked MADE IN U.S.A. above the trigger guard. The barrel is roll-stamped SMITH & WESSON on the left and .38 S. & W. CTG on the right. It is equipped with plain smooth walnut grips and a lanyard ring at the base of the grip frame. The surface presents a non-reflective sand-blasted parkerized finish consistent with late-1942 production specifications.

Compare with other militaria in the archive: North African Miquelet-Lock Musket (Moukhala), Edo Period Iron Tsuba with Musashino Grass and Silver Inlay, Italian Carcano M91 Long Rifle and Mauser Karabiner 98k.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

British Commonwealth Military1940-1945

Served as a critical supplement to the Enfield No. 2 Mk I revolver due to UK production shortages

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Standard sidearm issue for officers, tank crews, and airborne forces requiring a compact defensive tool

Meaning Through Time

1940s

A critical tool of frontline defense and logistics for allied forces

Modern

A specialized collectible illustrating the industrial cooperation of the Lend-Lease program

ISSUE & SERVICE HISTORY

The Victory Model was a wartime evolution of the .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, designated by a V prefix in the serial number starting in 1942. Between 1940 and 1945, Smith & Wesson produced approximately 570,000 revolvers chambered in .38/200 (.38 S&W) for the British Commonwealth under the ...
The Victory Model was a wartime evolution of the .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, designated by a V prefix in the serial number starting in 1942. Between 1940 and 1945, Smith & Wesson produced approximately 570,000 revolvers chambered in .38/200 (.38 S&W) for the British Commonwealth under the Lend-Lease Act, as recorded in Standard Catalog of World Military Firearms. This specific 5 inch barrel configuration was the standard issue sidearm for British and Commonwealth forces during World War II, complementing the Enfield No. 2 and Webley Mk IV revolvers.

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

The Victory Model name was adopted in 1942 after the serial number range reached 1,000,000, necessitating a new prefix for the allied war effort.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 16 militaria items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Roll stamps and trade marks match known 1940s production dies
  • Correct smooth walnut grips for military contract specification
  • Authentic parkerized finish texture and case hardening on internals
How does authenticity detection work?

MILITARY HISTORIAN'S TAKE

Militaria Historian

Military Specialist

Internal and external roll marks are highly consistent with documented museum examples from S&W production runs 1942-1944.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Five-inch barrel length is diagnostic of British .38/200 contract revolvers
  • 2Parkerized finish suggests post-1941 production as earlier models were blued
  • 3Right-hand barrel marking .38 S. & W. CTG confirms the caliber for Commonwealth service
  • 4Smooth walnut grips without medallions are correct for wartime Victory models

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Absence of 'Broad Arrow' or British proof marks in visible areas (often found on the cylinder or left frame)
  • •Potential re-import marks often stamped on the underside of the barrel may affect value

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Check top strap for 'U.S. PROPERTY' or G.H.D. inspector stamps
  • →Verify if serial number on butt begins with 'V'
  • →Consult a qualified gunsmith or specialist to verify functionality and legal compliance in your jurisdiction

CONDITION & GRADE

Very Good

Grading breakdown

Retains approximately 85-90% of the original wartime finish with sharp markings and original un-numbered smooth grips.

Condition

Minor thinning of the parkerized finish on the cylinder and barrel. Grips show slight indentations but lack significant cracks or chips. No visible 'United States Property' marks on the top strap in these images, which is common for some direct British contracts.

Weight & feel

Approximately 31 oz (880 grams) unloaded, providing a front-heavy balance typical of the 5 inch K-frame configuration.

MILITARIA VALUATION

$450 - $750

Updated: May 16, 2026

Who buys this

WWII military historians and Smith & Wesson K-frame enthusiasts focusing on service history.

What increases value

  • •Presence of original British proof marks
  • •Condition of original smooth walnut grips
  • •Matching serial numbers on butt, cylinder, and barrel

What lowers value

  • •Cylinder bored out to accept .38 Special (common post-war modification)
  • •Refinishing or 'pitting' under the parkerized surface
  • •Missing lanyard ring

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Evidence of specific unit markings
  • •Mint condition original finish
  • •Accompanying original webbing or holster

Grade & condition

Finish percentage, clarity of stamps, and mechanical timing of the cylinder

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandSells quickly
Browse similar militaria objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

  • User identified maker as Smith & Wesson - confirmed by barrel and frame markings
  • User identified era as WW2 - confirmed by parkerized finish and Victory model configuration
  • User noted minor wear - visual evidence shows standard thinning consistent with service use

FROM THE CABINET OF

OB

obiwan
Wonderseeker•1 item

COMMENTS

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Sign in to leave a comment

ABOUT MILITARIA

Military uniforms, weapons, medals, equipment, and war memorabilia.

Militaria value and rarity guide

SHARE THIS CURIOSITY

Have your own curiosities to discover?

Scan Your Curiosity