Smith And Wesson Victory Model Serial Numbers
First, welcome to the forum!
Your buddy's gun is, indeed, a S&W Victory Model made for U.S. users, as indicated by the caliber. His problem in dating the gun is the common one of mistaking the assembly number (199xx) stamped under the cylinder crane for being the serial number; the serial number (V466xxx) is actually that found on the butt and cylinder (also, commonly found on the underside of the barrel). The absence of any 'U.S. PROPERTY' top strap markings indicates his is one made for use by non-military users (defense plant security, police, etc.)
Based on the database maintained by my friend and fellow forum contributor Charlie (ordnanceguy) and me, his gun was probably delieverd from the S&W factory in late (~Nov./Dec.) 1943. An exact shipping date may be obtained by requesting an historical letter from Roy Jinks, the S&W historian. (The form for that is available at: http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore.../other/LOA.pdf ) Be sure to list the full (no 'xxx') serial number of V466xxx and not the crane number when filling out the form. If your friend would care to have his gun enetered into our database, please post the full serial number here or e-mail me off-forum at LWCmdr45acpNOSPAM@yahoo.com (and remove the 'NO SPAM,' of course).
Hope this helps!
Steve
Colt Victory Model
Serial Number on S&W pre-Victory Model. Hi all, I have a Smith & Wesson Model of 1905, 4th change pre-Victory model 'United States Property' marked, and all correct /matching numbers except for the grips (right panel to be exact). It has the WB, Ordnance Bomb, and P proof on the butt. Australian FTR markings below the 'Made in USA' indicating. Junebugs, Victory Models are 1905 Change 4, the V is part of the serial (1942-1945). I believe you have a Defense Supplies Corporation gun, i.e. An authorized commercial sale most likely to P.D. Or defense plant. 1911, the.38 S&W has a larger (.360 vs.357) diameter, but shorter case length than.38 Special. The Smith & Wesson.38’s produced between 1940 and 1945 had serial numbers with a V prefix and were designated as the Victory Model. Navy and Marine aviators carried the Victory Model as a side arm.