(Visible when looking from the underside) Rear face of the cylinder Inside the extractor star
The Ultimate Guide to Smith & Wesson .38 Victory Model Serial Number Lookup
According to the Blue Book of Gun Values (2026 Edition), current market prices for Smith & Wesson Victory Models are as follows: s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
If the serial number has an S, it indicates a post-1944 hammer block safety improvement.
The serial number also appears in two secondary locations: (Visible when looking from the underside) Rear face
Later in the war (around late 1944–1945), Smith & Wesson introduced a safety hammer block to prevent accidental discharges if the hammer was struck while down. These are often designated by an "SV" prefix (e.g., SV300000). While more modern, these are sometimes considered more reliable by shooters. E. Hammer/Trigger Finish
, with production officially ending on August 27, 1945, at serial number Serial Range (Approx.) Finish & Features Early 1942 V1 – V40,000 Bright or brushed blue finish Mid 1942 – 1944 V40,001 – V769,000 While more modern, these are sometimes considered more
This triggered a "crash program" at S&W to redesign the hammer block for better drop safety: The "S" Marking:
