The Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model is a wartime variant of the Military & Police Model 10. Identifying its exact history requires locating and interpreting the serial number, which was modified during World War II to reflect production changes and safety updates. How to Locate the Serial Number
For any Smith & Wesson revolver, the serial number of record is always located on the bottom of the grip frame (butt).
The Lanyard Loop: On Victory Models, the serial number is often split by the lanyard ring or swivel.
Secondary Locations: You may also find the serial number stamped on the rear face of the cylinder and the bottom of the barrel flat (visible when the cylinder is open).
Avoid Assembly Numbers: Numbers found inside the yoke (the part the cylinder swings on) are typically random "assembly numbers" used during manufacturing and do not indicate the production date. Victory Model Serial Number Lookup s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
Victory production began in 1942 when standard serial numbers for the Military & Police model exceeded 1,000,000. S&W introduced the "V" prefix and restarted the count. Smith & Wesson Serial Numbers
Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model was produced during WWII (1942–1945) as a variation of the Military & Police (Model 10). Serial numbers for this model are uniquely identified by a "V" or "VS" prefix. Where to Find the Serial Number
The official serial number of record for S&W revolvers is always stamped on the bottom of the grip frame (the butt).
Secondary Locations: You may also find the serial number on the rear face of the cylinder or the underside of the barrel flat. The Smith & Wesson
Warning: Numbers found inside the crane/yoke area when the cylinder is open are typically assembly numbers used during manufacturing and are not the official serial number. Serial Number Prefixes & Dating
Victory Model production began after the standard M&P series reached serial number 1,000,000.
A proper S&W .38 Victory Model serial number lookup requires you to locate the original stamping. Do not rely on the number on the butt alone—forgers often re-stamp that. For extra quality verification, you must check five locations:
| Location | What to Look For | Quality Indicator | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Butt of Grip Frame | 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 | Part 2: Where to Find the Serial Number
Pro Tip for Extra Quality: If the numbers are mismatched or missing in any two locations, the revolver is a “parts gun” and loses 60% of its collectible value.
Use this reference table to date your revolver and verify its production run. This data is compiled from S&W factory historical letters and Roy Jinks’ records.
| 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 |
Important: If your serial number has no “V” or “SV” prefix, it is not a Victory Model. It is a standard M&P from the 1930s or post-1946.