Need Help on S&W Revolver Markings

[lentislee]

Markings on S&W Model 1905

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I am enclosing photo images of a recent pistol I purchased for home protection. The serial number is V761646 and is a .38 caliber with the markings of a crown with BNP below it. It has these markings several places on the cylinder, frame and barrel. Would appreciate any comments as to the markings and where it may have been used.

Lentis Lee

 

[SaxonPig]

You have what appears to be a Victory Model supplied to Great Britain during WW II. These are essentially the same as the 1905 4th Model Military & Police. But there's a problem. The last V serial was V750,000 so either you typed it incorrectly or you have a weird gun.

Be aware that this is NOT A .38 SPECIAL caliber gun. It is a .38 S&W. Ammo is available but it's pricey and the selection is very limited. Many of these have been "converted" to .38 S&W Special by reaming the chambers but these really should not be fired with Special ammo. Even if reamed the correct load would be the .38 S&W (not the longer and slightly smaller .38 S&W Special).

All those markings are British proof marks. The Brits are famous for stamping the guns to death. The vast majority of these were made with 5" barrels like yours.

Due to its caliber this not the best choice for a defensive revolver. You may want to sell it to someone who is interested in the VMs and buy a similar gun in the more powerful and more useful .38 S&W Special caliber. Your gun looks to be in very nice shape and a collector would be interested if it's not refinished.

 

[lentislee]

Reply to Saxon Pig

Thanks for providing the information. The serial number is V 761646, with the V being on one side of the lanyard ring hole (it is missing the lanyard ring) and the 761646 on the other side.

How would you suggest that I sell the revolver? It is in original condition as to the finish and has other markings on it such as 3 1/2 tons to the right of the Smith and Wesson on the barrel.

It is the regular .38 shell and I spent $20 for a box of cartridges, thus you are correct, the ammunition is expensive.

Would appreciate any additional comments.

Lentis Lee

 

[SaxonPig]

According to S&W the v series ended at 750,000 so I have no explanation for yours at 761,000.

You can post it for sale on the Smith & Wesson Forum Classifieds (www.smith-wessonforum.com) as there are numerous collectors there who would like to have this mostly original VM. You will need to decide on an asking price and I am not an expert. I would hazard a guess at around $350 or so assuming original finish. You can also put it up on the www.gunbroker.com auction site and let the bidders determine the value. Free to offer and a small charge if it sells.

This would obviously be C&R and that helps the gun sell.

Email me at [email protected] and I can put you touch with a serious collector who might make an offer or give you some advice.

 

[Old Fuff]

In early 1945, Smith & Wesson incorporated a new hammer-block safety into their Victory Model revolvers at serial No. V 769,000. Thereafter the prefix would be "VS." The revolver in question, No. V 761,646 would appear to be one of the last in the "V" series, probably made during late 1944.

However at the time these revolvers were Parkerized, with plain uncheckered walnut stocks. The revolver that is pictured has a blue commercial finish (unless it was reblued) and pre-war checkered stocks with the chromed trademark logos at the top. So in appeaence if would seem to be a commercial model probably made during 1941.

Revolver serial numbered V 761,646 should be stamped on the topstrap, "U.S. Property" and also, "G.H.D.", where revolver no. 761,646 would be unmarked.