Smith & Wesson Victory Model .38 Military & Police 4-inch Revolver — WWII V-prefix, Matte Wartime Finish
Wartime-produced in 1944, this Smith & Wesson Victory Model is the .38 Military & Police variant in the U.S.-pattern 4-inch .38 Special configuration with a matte wartime finish. It features smooth walnut service stocks, a square-butt frame, and a lanyard swivel on the butt. Notable details include a V-prefix production range that precedes the later "SV" hammer-block marking, matching digits on the extractor star and assembly numbers on the yoke and yoke-cut with an "S" inspector mark, and an excellent bore. No U.S. PROPERTY or NAVY topstrap markings are observed in the provided images.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are markings from previous handling and use. The bore is bright and clean. It presents in good condition for its age. Please refer to the photos for details.
What’s Included
- Black Sheep leather soft pistol rug
This Victory Model is the wartime V-prefix variant of the S&W .38 Military & Police, built in 1944 during WWII. It has the correct U.S.-pattern 4-inch .38 Special configuration and a matte, utility-style wartime finish. Factory rollmarks include the S&W monogram on the sideplate and "MADE IN U.S.A." on the frame.
Key service features are present: a tapered 4-inch carbon-steel barrel, six-shot fluted cylinder with a knurled ejector-rod tip, and fixed sights with a half-moon front blade and square-notch rear in the topstrap. The revolver operates in double-action/single-action and retains its lanyard swivel on the butt. Smooth walnut service stocks with a square-butt profile and no medallions complete the period-correct configuration.
Inspection highlights include matching digits on the extractor star and assembly numbers on the yoke and yoke-cut, along with an "S" inspector mark. This example falls in the pre-"SV" range that precedes the improved hammer-block marking. No U.S. PROPERTY or NAVY topstrap markings are observed in the provided images.
The bore condition stands out as excellent, with a clean, mirror finish and sharp rifling. Overall condition is good with signs of prior handling and use consistent with its WWII service-era production.