S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality Jun 2026
If you are looking to verify the specific history of a serial number, you can contact the . They have the original factory ledgers and can provide a "History Letter" for a fee. This letter will confirm the exact shipping date and destination (e.g., "Shipped to the U.S. Navy Depot, Brooklyn, NY").
| 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
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). If you are looking to verify the specific
| Location | What to Look For | Quality Indicator | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Primary serial, e.g., “V 123456” | Must be deep, crisp, and match the gun’s period font | | Barrel Flat (under ejector rod) | Matching number | No over-strikes or grinding marks | | Cylinder Face | Last 4-5 digits of serial | Should be hand-stamped, not electric-penciled | | Yoke (crane) cutout | Same number | Hidden from casual view—excellent authenticity check | | Inside Right Grip Panel | Serial penciled or stamped | Original wartime grips have this; reproductions do not | Navy Depot, Brooklyn, NY")
By understanding how to decode, research, and preserve these remarkable revolvers, collectors honor not just the firearms themselves, but the men and women who depended on them.
2️⃣ If your serial number ends in "S" (e.g., V4532 S ), that indicates a "Victory Special" with the improved hammer block safety—a key upgrade for "extra quality" drop protection!