For a definitive, specialized lookup, many owners use the Smith & Wesson Forum or, for maximum accuracy, a historical letter from the S&W Historical Foundation.
The bottom of the grip frame (butt). This is the official serial number of record. You may need to remove aftermarket wooden grips to see it clearly. Secondary Locations:
Primarily shipped to Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia under the Lend-Lease program. These typically feature 5-inch or 6-inch barrels. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup extra quality
These are inspector initials. Guy H. Drewry (GHD) or Waldemar Broberg (WB) supervised ordnance inspections at the factory. A crisp inspector stamp indicates the gun retains its original finish.
Stamps like "6 TONS" or "38 .767" applied by British proof houses when the guns entered the commercial market post-war. For a definitive, specialized lookup, many owners use
Firearm cases may swell or split near the base when firing .38 Special ammo in a reamed .38 S&W cylinder because the .38 S&W bore diameter is slightly wider (.361") than a standard .38 Special (.357"). 4. Crucial Proof Marks and Military Stampings
Is the barrel stamped .38 S&W CTG (5-inch) or .38 S&W Special CTG (4-inch)? You may need to remove aftermarket wooden grips
For collectors and historians, performing an accurate is the master key to decoding a specimen's manufacturing date, deployment history, and overall authenticity. Locating the True Serial Number
Indicates the revolver was refurbished in a British or Australian arsenal (e.g., "FTR / MA 53" means it was repaired at the Lithgow arsenal in Australia in 1953).
. This change occurred around December 1944 or January 1945, starting near serial number SV769,001. "S" Markings