Final production with integrated safety (late 1944 to 1945). 3. Variations and Quality Markers
The top strap should read “SMITH & WESSON .38 S&W CTG” (or .38 S&W SPECIAL on SV guns). British Commonwealth models will have “.38-767” or crown-over-BNP proofs. Faint, buffed-off markings = over-polished junk. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
The "S" indicates the presence of the improved hammer-block safety mechanism introduced in late 1944. On many guns, the "S" appears as a prefix (SV) indicating a gun produced with or retrofitted with the new safety. On some guns, a standalone "S" may be stamped elsewhere on the frame while the official serial number retains only the V prefix. Final production with integrated safety (late 1944 to 1945)