S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality (2025)

: Numbers found inside the crane/yoke when the cylinder is open are usually "assembly numbers" used during manufacturing and are the serial number. American Rifleman 2. Decode the Serial Prefix

Smith & Wesson stamped the serial number in multiple places on the Victory Model. For a definitive lookup, you must check the primary location, as parts were frequently swapped during wartime field repairs or post-war surplus rebuilds.

Transition to the prefix in December 1944 due to safety modifications. 1945 VS769,001 to ~VS850,000+ s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality

The definitive mark of British Government property.

Between 1942 and 1945, Smith & Wesson produced nearly one million revolvers for the war effort. These were standardized as the (though many were chambered in .38-200 for British contracts). : Numbers found inside the crane/yoke when the

In some rare transition periods, you may see SV stamped on the butt.

: Look closely underneath the barrel (above the ejector rod) to find the matching stamped digits. For a definitive lookup, you must check the

Standard "Victory" serial prefix used for both .38 Special (U.S. Navy/Army) and .38 S&W (British Lend-Lease) models.

.38 Special versions (U.S. issue) are generally more desirable to American collectors than .38 S&W (British/Commonwealth) examples, partly due to ammunition availability.

The prefix on the butt of the frame dictates the exact era and engineering specification of your Victory model.