S W 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality !new! ❲Trusted · Blueprint❳
If you want to know more details about your specific S&W Victory Model, let me know its (including any prefixes), the barrel length , and any stamps you see on the top strap. I can help you narrow down its manufacturing date or determine if it was a U.S. or British issue. Share public link
The "Victory" name is derived from the added to the serial number. Early in the war, Smith & Wesson reached the one-million mark in their standard M&P series. To reset the sequence for wartime production, they began a new series starting with "V1". V Prefix (1942–1944): Standard wartime production.
Mid-to-late production (mid-1943 to 1944).
The primary and most authoritative serial number is located on the . Other numbers found inside the frame or yoke are typically "assembly numbers" used to match hand-fitted parts during manufacturing and do not indicate the production date. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
To accurately date and verify your S&W Victory Model, you must look at the correct serial number location and decipher its configuration. Where to Find the Serial Number
A: Many Victory Models were manufactured for the British Commonwealth under Lend-Lease and were chambered for the .38-200 cartridge (commercially known as .38 S&W). These guns are not designed for .38 Special ammunition. Many were later bored out to accept .38 Special, which severely reduces their collector value.
: Numbers visible inside the crane or yoke area when the cylinder is swung open are temporary factory assembly numbers, not the serial number. 2. Decode the Serial Number Prefix If you want to know more details about
Several factors significantly influence a Victory Model's market value:
The Smith & Wesson Victory Model is one of the most historically significant firearms to emerge from World War II. With over 850,000 revolvers produced between 1942 and 1945, this wartime variant of the classic Military & Police revolver served American, British, and Commonwealth forces in every theater of the war. For collectors and history enthusiasts, the ability to perform a is essential for authenticating these iconic firearms. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about Victory Model serial numbers, from basic identification to advanced collector resources.
To complete an accurate lookup, you must reference the official factory serial location. Smith & Wesson stamped multiple numbers on these frames, which frequently leads to confusion. Share public link The "Victory" name is derived
Indicates the revolver was refurbished in a British or Australian arsenal (e.g., "FTR / MA 53" means it was repaired at the Lithgow arsenal in Australia in 1953).
Len entered his full serial: .
If your serial number lookup reveals a revolver shipped to the UK, you will likely see markings or caliber stamps like ".38 S&W CTG" (British Service Cartridge) rather than the American ".38 S&W Special." 5. Value and Condition