S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality

By using reference books, checking the multiple serial number locations, scrutinizing the finish, and being aware of common modifications, you can confidently navigate the world of Victory Model collecting. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, the information in this guide will help you ensure that your Victory Model is not just a relic of the past, but a genuine, valuable, and authentic piece of WWII history.

[ V or SV ] + [ Up to 6 Digits ] Example: V 250123 or SV 780450 Serial Number Chronology (1942–1945)

Technical Report: Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model Authentication and Serialization s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality

Since there is no official online S&W serial number database, you have two primary options:

Many Victory Models were sold as surplus after World War II and imported into the United States by various commercial importers. Common import marks include (Vega Arms of Sacramento, California) and other distributor stamps. These import marks were required under the Gun Control Act of 1968 and, while detracting from collector value, provide a verifiable provenance for the gun's post-war history. By using reference books, checking the multiple serial

The earliest Victory models began production with the "V" prefix, with serial numbers starting around V1 in 1942. Monthly production was often between 12,000 and 15,000 guns. A serial number like V466936 dates to the second half of 1943 .

A: Yes. All S&W revolvers with a "V" prefix in their serial number are, by definition, Victory Models produced between 1942 and 1945. However, "pre-Victory" models exist in the 800,000-999,999 serial number range. Be aware that some guns with a "V" prefix may have been chambered in .38 S&W for the British Commonwealth, not .38 Special. Common import marks include (Vega Arms of Sacramento,

The most "extra quality" story behind these serial numbers involves a tragic accident aboard a U.S. Navy ship in 1944. A sailor dropped his Victory Model on a steel deck; the impact hit the hammer, causing the gun to discharge and kill a Navy corpsman. Sporting Shooter

True Victory Models feature a steel lanyard loop attached to the bottom of the grip frame, right next to the serial number.

: A military proof mark, usually found on the frame, cylinder, and barrel, indicating it passed high-pressure test firings. British Commonwealth Markings