Smith & Wesson Victory Model .38 Military & Police Revolver – WWII-Era, Parkerized, Sacramento Sheriff Marked, 4" Barrel
This S&W Victory Model is a wartime .38 Military & Police revolver that blends combat-era production features with documented post-war law-enforcement service. Its dull gray Parkerized finish, V-prefix serial, and five-screw K-frame architecture place it firmly in the WWII period, while the bold “PROPERTY OF SACRAMENTO SHERIFF” marking adds verified provenance. Matching serial numbers on the frame and cylinder, a factory-pinned 4" barrel, and smooth walnut service stocks complete a package that appeals to both collectors and shooters.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – Showing signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling Condition: Good – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Surface scratches and scattered blemishes are visible on the Parkerized finish, especially along high edges. Roll marks remain legible, though some stamping has been filled in. The walnut stocks display typical handling marks with no cracks or chips.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Victory Model .38 Military & Police revolver
The V563xxx serial number confirms wartime production, with factory records indicating assembly likely in the spring or summer of 1942. This serial range also falls within the documented block produced between December 1943 and September 1944, underscoring its WWII pedigree.
Victory Models received a sand-blasted Parkerized phosphate finish to speed wartime output and resist corrosion in harsh environments. The finish on this revolver is original and evenly worn, providing the subdued gray look collectors expect.
A factory-pinned 4" barrel, half-moon front sight, and square-notch top-strap rear sight reflect the standard combat configuration supplied to U.S. and Allied forces. The lanyard ring on the butt remains intact, further verifying its military specification.
The frame’s “PROPERTY OF SACRAMENTO SHERIFF” marking documents post-war duty use, adding a unique layer of American law-enforcement history to its WWII origin. Matching serial numbers on the frame and cylinder support its originality, while the smooth walnut stocks without medallions mirror the cost-saving measures of the era.