Which WWII S&W Military and Police Revolver is the better collectors option?

[Rockrivr1]

I’m looking at two identical 1942 S&W Military and Police revolvers and I have the chance to get one of them. Out of the below two which do you think is the more collectible? They are:

1. Victory model from the UK with UK stamps including the British crown

2. US Navy model with US Navy stamped on the top of the barrel. Also includes misc stamping from US inspectors.

Leaning towards the US Navy Stamped but not sure.

 

[gerrycaruso]

Is this as an investment or do you want to shoot it? Is the British one in 38 S&W?

 

[Mesatchornug]

I’m looking at two identical 1942 S&W Military and Police revolvers and I have the chance to get one of them. Out of the below two which do you think is the more collectible? They are:

1. Victory model from the UK with UK stamps including the British crown

2. US Navy model with US Navy stamped on the top of the barrel. Also includes misc stamping from US inspectors.

Leaning towards the US Navy Stamped but not sure.

You were an American sailor, right?

 

[Rockrivr1]

Is this as an investment or do you want to shoot it? Is the British one in 38 S&W?

They are both in 38 S&W

 

[Rockrivr1]

You were an American sailor, right?

I was which is why I’m leaning that way but I’m thinking the UK on might be more collectible due to its markings.

I’d shoot it but probably hold onto it due to its rarity.

 

[Picton]

I'd get the UK one, but then I've already got a bunch more UK pistols.

Think of it this way: what will likely be easier to source in the future? A USN gun, or a UK gun? Figure that out, then buy the other one.

 

[Mesatchornug]

I'd get the UK one, but then I've already got a bunch more UK pistols.

Think of it this way: what will likely be easier to source in the future? A USN gun, or a UK gun? Figure that out, then buy the other one both.

FIFY

 

[IPSC_DRL]

There's a little Mexican girl around here who would like to have a few words with you.

 

[1919FAN]

Navy marked Victorys always bring a premium, they were used mostly by Naval aviator's. The lend lease guns always fetched the less because they were chambered in 38-200 for the Britts.

 

[gerrycaruso]

If you reload and get a 38 S&W, just remember it uses a bigger bullet. I think it's .361 or something like that.

 

[Picton]

Navy marked Victorys always bring a premium, they were used mostly by Naval aviator's. The lend lease guns always fetched the less because they were chambered in 38-200 for the Britts.

These are both chambered the same way.

They are both in 38 S&W

Really, I had no idea we were issuing our sailors such an anemic caliber, but whatever.

 

[Rockrivr1]

These are both chambered the same way.

Really, I had no idea we were issuing our sailors such an anemic caliber, but whatever.

I think the gentlemen who owns them is incorrect. I’ve been digging into the US Navy marked revolver and there is no mention that they were made in 38S&W.

 

[Picton]

I think the gentlemen who owns them is incorrect. I’ve been digging into the US Navy marked revolver and there is no mention that they were made in 38S&W.

I wasn't sure about that either, when you mentioned it, but weird things happened during that war.

I'd still get the UK one, but I probably wouldn't shoot either of them very much. If I was, then .38 spl would be a plus.

 

[straightshooterjake]

I think the gentlemen who owns them is incorrect. I’ve been digging into the US Navy marked revolver and there is no mention that they were made in 38S&W.

I only know a small amount about WWII era S&W revolvers, but I would confirm the caliber of the USN revolver. I am not aware of US issued guns in 38S&W, and I am also not aware of that caliber in US supply chains at that time. However, I could be wrong. But it definitely matters for assessing the rarity of this revolver.

Also, I am assuming that the British gun will not chamber a 38 special round? The 38 S&W round is shorter and fatter, so a 38 special should be too long to fit the chamber. But many British 38S&W Victory models were bored out to accept 38 special when the were imported back to the US after the war. These guns will fire 38 special, but generally the brass will bulge a bit and be damaged. Revolvers chambered in 38S&W have greatly reduced collector value if the chambers are bored for 38 special. I am assuming you knew this since you are looking at these revolvers. But it seemed worth mentioning since the current owner seems possibly unclear on the chambering of the USN marked revolver.

In original condition, either of these revolvers is an interesting collectible and a great piece of history. Good luck with your choice.

 

[JuergenG]

Here are some specifics about the Victory revolvers/serial number ranges and who bought the. However, it's in German language.
The 4" pictured is mine in .38/200, serial V97xxx.

 

[1919FAN]

During WW2 pilots (aviator's) carried victory's and 1911s in shoulder rugs. I still have a few examples of both in my collection.