S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality [extra Quality] -

To look up a Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model serial number, check the bottom of the grip frame (butt) for a number starting with a "V" or "SV" prefix. These revolvers were produced roughly between 1942 and 1945 for military and Lend-Lease use. 1. Serial Number Prefix Identification

| 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 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality

Important: If your serial number has no “V” or “SV” prefix, it is not a Victory Model. It is a standard M&P from the 1930s or post-1946. To look up a Smith & Wesson

  • The "US Property" Marking: A high-quality example for an American collector will have "U.S. PROPERTY" stamped on the topstrap. This indicates it was issued to the US military (Navy, Marine Corps, Air Corps) rather than being sent to the British or Commonwealth forces via Lend-Lease.
  • The 4-Inch Barrel: While 2-inch and 5-inch barrels exist, the 4-inch barrel is the standard "Victory" configuration. A 4-inch US Property model is considered the "Gold Standard" of quality collecting.
  • High Condition Bluing: While most are parkerized (gray/green matte), some very late production or transitional models retained a high-polish blue finish. These are rare and represent "extra quality."

Serial Number Lookup: To lookup your S&W Model 38 Victory's serial number: The "US Property" Marking: A high-quality example for

The Smith & Wesson Victory Model, a wartime evolution of the Military & Police (M&P) revolver, stands as a symbol of Allied industrial might during World War II. Produced between 1942 and 1945, its identification—often searched as "S&W 38 Victory Model serial number lookup"—is a blend of logistics and history, as these firearms were distributed across every theatre of the war. The Significance of the "V" Prefix

  • Superior cylinder-to-barrel gap fit
  • Smoother lockwork and trigger pull
  • Better metal finishing and polishing
  • Higher-grade grips or fitted sights
  • Special bluing or nickel plating processes