Welcome to the Forum.

BillCa has given you the best info on your family heirloom.

It was originally built for the British Commonwealth countries during WW II by Smith & Wesson in Springfield, Mass. The "V" is part of the serial number. The original chambering was .38 S&W, which is a shorter, slightly larger in diameter, cartridge than the .38 special. If a .38 special cartridge will chamber in the cylinder, it has been converted.

The conversion was done due to the popularity of the .38 special cartridge in this country.

The frame size is the K.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!