Len wasn’t a collector. He was a retired history teacher with a mild obsession for WWII sidearms. The Victory Models were standard-issue for pilots, MPs, and OSS agents. But this one felt… heavier. Not in weight, but in presence. The cylinder locked up like a bank vault. The trigger broke like glass.
To begin your lookup, you must find the serial number in the correct location. On a genuine Victory Model, the serial number is located on the .
The serial number also appears in two secondary locations: s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
What text is stamped on the or the left side of the frame ?
Primarily issued to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Defense Supplies Corporation (DSC) for plant guards. These typically feature 4-inch barrels. 2. The "SV" Prefix (1944–1945) Len wasn’t a collector
Often found on Australasian or Pacific theatre guns.
If you want to pin down the exact day your revolver shipped and its original destination, consider ordering an official . Dr. Roy Jinks, the official S&W historian, reviews the original factory ledgers to provide a certified document detailing your specific serial number's history. But this one felt… heavier
| Serial Number Range | Approximate Ship Date | Caliber | Notable Features | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | V 1 – V 10,000 | April – June 1942 | .38 S&W | First contract; checkered walnut grips; “U.S. PROPERTY” on top strap | | V 10,001 – V 200,000 | July 1942 – Feb 1943 | .38 S&W | Smooth walnut grips; parkerized finish begins | | V 200,001 – V 450,000 | March 1943 – Jan 1944 | .38 S&W | “V” prefix only; lanyard ring standard | | V 450,001 – V 700,000 | Feb 1944 – Sept 1944 | .38 S&W | High polish beneath parkerizing; British proofs possible | | V 700,001 – V 769,000 | Oct 1944 – May 1945 | .38 S&W | Last of the .38/200 British contract | | SV 1 – SV 75,000 | June – Dec 1945 | .38 Special | “S” indicates hammer block safety; extremely rare & high value |
S&W Victory model serial number lookup - Smith & Wesson Forum