S W — 38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup Extra Quality [new]

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

Lend-Lease Marks: If your serial lookup places the gun in the early 1942 range, look for "Broad Arrow" stamps or ".38 S&W CTG" (instead of .38 Special). These were British Service Revolvers (BSR) sent to England. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality

“V 389241. One of 500 ‘Extra Quality’ proofs. Not for field use. Issued to OSS Technical Branch for silent assassinations in occupied Europe. Fitted with match-grade barrel, hand-lapped action, and a baffled chamber to reduce report without a suppressor. Three known survivors. Yours was carried by a Jedburgh team leader dropped into southern France. After the war, it was officially ‘destroyed’ in a fire at a depot. It wasn’t. It was buried in a wax-sealed tin near Lyon. You’re holding a ghost that killed seventeen high-value targets and never once jammed.” Smith & Wesson

For any Smith & Wesson revolver, the serial number of record is always located on the bottom of the grip frame (butt). Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation – swhf

  • Production Years: 1942-1945
  • Total Production: Approximately 41,000 guns
  • Variations: There are some variations of the Model 38 Victory, including: