Hello
That V Prefix tells me you are speaking of
a Victory Model revolver. These were a War time revolver made by S&W. It will have a non Glare
Parkerized finish on it and will be Fixed sighted. It came in .38 Special caliber, and there were some 38-200 british Models made. It has more than Likely a 4" or 5" Barrel measured from the cylinder face to the end of the barrel. It should have
a Lanyard ring in the butt of the gun. They came with smooth Walnut non medallion grips, and were
a double action revolver. It may have
SV stamped on it where it is hard to read and this would indicate it has the newer hammer block design as the original style ones that were hammer mounted were changed due to one that broke on a Sailor that dropped his on a Navy ship flight Deck discharging Killing him. This prompted a major recall of the Victory model revolvers to have
the newer hammer block installed to prevent this again and
the P Prefix would indicate this new hammer block change. These were made from
1942-1945 and yours sounds like it was made
close to the end of their production being 1945. Numerich Gun parts in West Hurley, New York should have the parts to repair your revolver. Here is a link to show you what the models loook like. I hope this helps, Hammerdown
http://www.coolgunsite.com/pistols/s...63/v484563.htm