Sandblasted Parkerized finish; smooth walnut grips; lanyard ring SV769,001 – VS811,119 Improved safety hammer block installed at factory Identifying Variations 1943 S&W Victory model revolver - U.S. Militaria Forum
Look inside the frame hinge when the cylinder is swung out.
What is the (you can replace the last two digits with "xx" for privacy)?
Note: Assembly numbers are often stamped on the crane and frame pocket. These do not match the serial number and should be ignored for lookup purposes. 3. The "V" and "VS" Serial Number Timeline s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
In 1942, Smith & Wesson shifted production entirely to support the war effort. They adapted their Military & Police (M&P) Model 1905 (4th Change) into a standard military sidearm.
Smith & Wesson stamped the official, matching serial number in several locations. If your revolver is all-original, the numbers in these areas will match:
If the gun has British proof marks, these are highly collectible, even if the chambers have been reamed out from .38/200 to .38 Special. 4. The Importance of Proper Identification Note: Assembly numbers are often stamped on the
In some rare transition periods, you may see SV stamped on the butt.
The S&W Victory Model represents the intersection of history and manufacturing. By looking up the serial number and verifying matching, early-style components, you can identify a truly "extra quality" specimen. Due to the high number of variations and the potential for modified chambers, consulting with the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation or using a factory letter is recommended to confirm your revolver's provenance.
: Stamped on the left frame near the hammer. This stands for Guy H. Drewry, the military inspector of ordnance at the time. The "V" and "VS" Serial Number Timeline In
The SW 38 Victory Model is a notable handgun variant produced by Smith & Wesson (hereafter S&W). Owners, collectors, and prospective buyers often need accurate serial-number information to determine manufacture date, finish, barrel length, and whether the firearm was built to “extra quality” standards. This guide explains what “Victory” and “extra quality” typically mean, how to perform a serial number lookup, what number ranges and features are commonly associated with the SW 38 Victory model, the limitations of public data, and best practices for verification.
3. Identifying "Extra Quality" Victory Models (Collectors & Rarity)
Many .38 Victory models were sent to Britain under the Lend-Lease program.