Victory 38

otter6412

September 17, 2011 18:34

Just picked up a S&W Victory 38, serial # 328,XXX. Can anyone tell me the date is was manufactured or where to look for that info? Thanks

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  rufe-snow

  September 17, 2011 19:30

  If there is the letter "V" prefix before the SN it would probably date to the 1942/43 time frame.

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  11b6r

  September 17, 2011 19:32

  If it does not have a letter V prefix, it may be one of the early guns- 1942. As I understand it, they began marking them with the V at that time.

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  CDMead

  September 18, 2011 07:13

  Serial numbers on the Smith and Wesson Military and Police revolver ran from 1 upto 999,999 when they were changed starting at V1 during World War II.
  
  If your pistol doesn't have the V prefix it was made before World War II. I would very roughly estimate 328,XXX was made during the 1920s. It is not a Victory model without the V prefix. Period.

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  otter6412

  September 18, 2011 16:05

  Thanks for the info. Yes it has the V before the serial number along with the flaming bomb stamp and "US property GHD"

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  1BigGuy

  September 19, 2011 19:28

  Perhaps you will find the following link helpful. I did.
  http://www.coolgunsite.com/pistols/victory_model_smith_and_wesson.htm
  
  "From approximately 1942 to about May 1943 the acceptance mark of Ordnance officer Guy H. Drewry (G.H.D.) is found on the butt. From approximately V300000 to end of production G.H.D is found on the left top strap."
  So I'm guessing yours was built in 1943.

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