S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality !link! -

To properly evaluate your Smith & Wesson Victory Model, confirm these details:

Some Victory Models were shipped without any military property marks at all. These typically represent revolvers produced for the U.S. Navy without standard markings. As one collector noted, a factory-lettered Navy Victory Model with serial number 994198 had no government markings whatsoever, yet a factory letter confirmed its U.S. Navy shipment. Such anomalies are valuable to collectors precisely because they deviate from standard patterns.

The serial number range for the S&W Model 38 Victory is between V300 and V100000 (V prefix). These serial numbers were stamped on the frame, cylinder, and barrel of the revolver.

The Model 38 Victory was produced with a 5-inch barrel and a 6-shot cylinder. It features a blued finish, with a rounded butt and a smooth grip. The revolver was designed for military and law enforcement use, and many were issued to police departments and military units during World War II.

For modern collectors, performing a meticulous serial number lookup is the single best way to determine production year, original shipping configurations, and authentic historical value. Key Specifications of the S&W Victory Model s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality

In late 1944, following a famous safety mishap where a dropped revolver discharged and killed a sailor, S&W introduced a positive mechanical block safety. Revolvers factory-equipped with this new safety were given a VS prefix.

"Extra quality" or specific markings can help identify the intended recipient and original finish of the firearm:

He didn’t sell it. He didn’t tell the police. He wiped the search history, oiled the action one more time, and placed it back in the rag.

The Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model is a wartime variant of the iconic Military & Police (M&P) revolver, produced between . Identifying a high-quality "Victory" involves checking serial number prefixes and specific military-grade markings that distinguish it from standard commercial models. Serial Number Lookup & Dating The serial number is located on the butt of the grip frame . To properly evaluate your Smith & Wesson Victory

You're looking for information on the S&W Model 38 Victory, a classic firearm produced during World War II. The Model 38, also known as the "Victory" model, was a .38 Special caliber revolver that was produced from 1942 to 1945.

Serial-number research for the SW 38 Victory Model and claims of “extra quality” require careful examination of physical markings, factory records, provenance documents, and expert inspection. Serial numbers help identify production era but usually must be paired with documentation or physical inspection to confirm special-order or EQ status. When in doubt, use S&W’s records and experienced collectors or gunsmiths to verify.

The most authoritative source for S&W history is a from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. For a fee (typically around $100 as of 2025), the Foundation will research your specific serial number and provide:

Later in the war (around late 1944–1945), Smith & Wesson introduced a safety hammer block to prevent accidental discharges if the hammer was struck while down. These are often designated by an "SV" prefix (e.g., SV300000). While more modern, these are sometimes considered more reliable by shooters. E. Hammer/Trigger Finish As one collector noted, a factory-lettered Navy Victory

A 2021 forum discussion illustrates the ongoing interest in these transitional guns: a collector encountered serial number 989063 on a Parkerized pre-Victory revolver with a 4-inch barrel and lanyard loop hole, seeking to determine where it was issued. These early wartime revolvers are often indistinguishable from standard Victory Models in appearance but command collector interest due to their transitional nature.

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.

Initial production; primarily for British Commonwealth (.38/200). V40,001 – V769,000 1942 – Late 1944