In many cases, the serial number is also stamped on the underside of the barrel, the rear face of the cylinder, and the inside of the right grip panel (if original). 2. The "V" Prefix: The Mark of a Victory
The Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model is a cornerstone of WWII firearms history. Produced between 1942 and 1945, these revolvers were the workhorses for U.S. Navy pilots, Coast Guard units, and Allied forces through the Lend-Lease program.
Ensure the cylinder, barrel, and frame numbers all match. Non-matching parts significantly drop the value.
While S&W records are not always perfectly linear due to parts being pulled from bins, you can generally estimate the year of manufacture using this lookup table: Serial Number Range Estimated Year V1 – V20,000 Early 1942 Initial Navy contracts V20,000 – V250,000 Expansion of Lend-Lease V250,000 – V500,000 Peak wartime production V500,000 – V769,000 Introduction of "S" safety mark V769,000 – V811,119 End of production run SV811,120 – SV1,000,000 Transition to Pre-Model 10 4. Identifying "Extra Quality" Markings
Highly sought after by collectors; usually stamped on the top strap.
S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number | Lookup Extra Quality
In many cases, the serial number is also stamped on the underside of the barrel, the rear face of the cylinder, and the inside of the right grip panel (if original). 2. The "V" Prefix: The Mark of a Victory
The Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model is a cornerstone of WWII firearms history. Produced between 1942 and 1945, these revolvers were the workhorses for U.S. Navy pilots, Coast Guard units, and Allied forces through the Lend-Lease program. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
Ensure the cylinder, barrel, and frame numbers all match. Non-matching parts significantly drop the value. In many cases, the serial number is also
While S&W records are not always perfectly linear due to parts being pulled from bins, you can generally estimate the year of manufacture using this lookup table: Serial Number Range Estimated Year V1 – V20,000 Early 1942 Initial Navy contracts V20,000 – V250,000 Expansion of Lend-Lease V250,000 – V500,000 Peak wartime production V500,000 – V769,000 Introduction of "S" safety mark V769,000 – V811,119 End of production run SV811,120 – SV1,000,000 Transition to Pre-Model 10 4. Identifying "Extra Quality" Markings Produced between 1942 and 1945, these revolvers were
Highly sought after by collectors; usually stamped on the top strap.