zonker5,

Based on the database, both of these probably shipped from the S&W factory in late 1943: V451323 in November and V474904 in December.

*Which* one has the "U.S. PROPERTY" top strap marking? (Both likely had the marking originally, before the refinishing.)

In this period, the "P" proof usually appears in three places: in addition to the underside of the barrel, which you've mentioned, there were probably "P" markings removed from the upper left of the frame and the rear of the cylinder.

The removal of the serial numbers from the butts was a major faux pas. While the numbers remain on the barrels and cylinders, it is the number on the *frame* (i.e., the butt) that is the true serial number.

Steve