S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality Jun 2026
The is a corner-stone piece of firearms history, produced exclusively during World War II between 1942 and 1945 . Characterized by its sandblasted, smooth-fitting finish and an iconic "V" serial number prefix , this classic K-frame revolver was deployed worldwide across multiple branches of the United States military and Allied nations under the Lend-Lease Act.
The Victory Model inherited the architecture of the legendary .38 Military & Police (M&P) line. Production numbers are categorized into chronological ranges spanning early WWII through the war’s end: Smith & Wesson Serial Numbers
If you are in the market for a Victory Model, follow these steps to avoid costly mistakes: s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
Mass production for US forces and Allied nations. Navy contracts peak.
If a standard "V" prefix gun has an extra "S" stamped near the serial number or on the side plate, it indicates the revolver was factory-retrofitted with the new safety block. 2. Dating by Serial Range (Approximate) The is a corner-stone piece of firearms history,
The definitive British government ownership mark. If you see this, your gun served with British or Commonwealth forces.
Stamped on the top strap of models officially bought by the United States government. not serial numbers
Since there is no official online S&W serial number database, you have two primary options:
⚠️ It is common for the "V" prefix to be missing from these secondary locations (stamped only as "123456"). Do not mistake this for a mismatch; it is a known wartime expedient. It is also vital to know that numbers stamped on the yoke (the crane) are assembly numbers , not serial numbers, and will not match the gun's legal serial.