Interesting S&W .38 Special Victory Model I just acquired!
I work part time in a local gun store, and I just picked up a S&W Victory model, .38 Special, 4 inch, lanyard ring, walnut grips, with a V serial number and all matching numbers. I does not have "US Property" on it. It is blued, rather than parkerized.
The back story is a guy older than me (I'm 70) brought it in. It was his father's duty revolver. He was a cop starting during World War II, and it was his duty weapon, even after the war until he retired in the 70s.
It is tight as a drum. Its still in Commiefornia 10 day gun jail, but I can't wait to shoot it. Really sweet trigger pulls, too.
A side note, my Dad fought on Iwo Jima. He was was an NCO with the Army advance party of the 142nd AGF, and landed on day 6 of the invasion. He was issued an M1 Carbine (Inland) and a 1911. He hated the 1911, and traded is for a Victory Model, which he said he shot much better than the 1911.