When evaluating a Victory Model, minor details create massive swings in collector value.
In 1942, Smith & Wesson shifted production entirely to support the war effort. They adapted their Military & Police (M&P) Model 1905 (4th Change) into a standard military sidearm.
Original grips are completely smooth, uncheckered walnut. Checkered grips with S&W medallions are post-war civilian additions. Final Verification Checklist
Before proceeding with any lookup, confirm that you actually have a Victory Model:
Victory Model production began after the standard M&P series reached serial number 1,000,000.
: The official mark of British Government property.
For collectors today, the ability to perform an accurate is essential—not merely for establishing monetary value, but for connecting a tangible piece of history with its original context. Whether you are researching a family heirloom, expanding a military collection, or simply curious about the wartime service of a revolver discovered in a pawn shop, the resources outlined in this guide will help you unlock the story written in the numbers and markings of your S&W Victory Model.
The phrase "extra quality" in your request likely stems from one of two things: either a misunderstanding of the factory classifications used during the war, or a rightful observation that these revolvers were built to a higher standard than typical wartime utility weapons.
: Revolvers produced in 1945 (approximately starting at serial 769,001) feature an "S" or "SV" prefix, indicating an upgraded, positive hammer block safety designed after an accidental discharge incident on a Navy vessel. Assembly Numbers
The most authoritative source for S&W history is a from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. For a fee (typically around $100 as of 2025), the Foundation will research your specific serial number and provide:
: Some earlier revolvers were retrofitted with the safety block and had an "S" stamped on the butt (as a prefix or suffix) and the side plate to indicate the modification. U.S. Militaria Forum Production Timeline & Characteristics Victory models were manufactured between 1941 and 1945
When evaluating a Victory Model, minor details create massive swings in collector value.
In 1942, Smith & Wesson shifted production entirely to support the war effort. They adapted their Military & Police (M&P) Model 1905 (4th Change) into a standard military sidearm.
Original grips are completely smooth, uncheckered walnut. Checkered grips with S&W medallions are post-war civilian additions. Final Verification Checklist s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
Before proceeding with any lookup, confirm that you actually have a Victory Model:
Victory Model production began after the standard M&P series reached serial number 1,000,000. When evaluating a Victory Model, minor details create
: The official mark of British Government property.
For collectors today, the ability to perform an accurate is essential—not merely for establishing monetary value, but for connecting a tangible piece of history with its original context. Whether you are researching a family heirloom, expanding a military collection, or simply curious about the wartime service of a revolver discovered in a pawn shop, the resources outlined in this guide will help you unlock the story written in the numbers and markings of your S&W Victory Model. Original grips are completely smooth, uncheckered walnut
The phrase "extra quality" in your request likely stems from one of two things: either a misunderstanding of the factory classifications used during the war, or a rightful observation that these revolvers were built to a higher standard than typical wartime utility weapons.
: Revolvers produced in 1945 (approximately starting at serial 769,001) feature an "S" or "SV" prefix, indicating an upgraded, positive hammer block safety designed after an accidental discharge incident on a Navy vessel. Assembly Numbers
The most authoritative source for S&W history is a from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. For a fee (typically around $100 as of 2025), the Foundation will research your specific serial number and provide:
: Some earlier revolvers were retrofitted with the safety block and had an "S" stamped on the butt (as a prefix or suffix) and the side plate to indicate the modification. U.S. Militaria Forum Production Timeline & Characteristics Victory models were manufactured between 1941 and 1945