I saw an "SV" prefixed Victory Model for sale recently and have some questions. The revolver in question is all matching including the stocks. It is US Property marked and is the first "SV" Victory I can remember running across.

As per the SCSW 3rd Ed., in addition to the "S" in the S/N it is also marked with a small "s" on the sideplate. As the S/N is in the SV793,000 range, this revolver should have been originally produced with the new hammer block, not retrofitted correct?

The notes state that "Late Production" revolvers made with the new hammer block are of "special interest". Does that do anything to the value?

Thanks.

The SV prefix serial number would indicate the gun was made originally with the new safety hammer block. I'm not sure that you could prove in the market place that late production guns have higher values, but it does not hurt the value. The comment in the SCSW probably refers to the post WW2 SV numbered guns with bright blue finishes, rather the those with the wartime dull blue finishes. Ed.

I do know of one in the SV793xxx range which shipped in mid-1945 to the U. S. Navy. Navy-destined Victories at that time did not have Navy property markings, just the typical "U. S. Property" stamping on the top strap. A factory letter would be necessary to determine if this one was shipped to the Navy. It would almost certainly have the improved hammer safety at that time, as that is what the "S" in "SV" indicates.

A significant number of SV-numbered frames remaining in factory inventory after the war's end were finished in civilian style (blued, Magna grips, and plugged lanyard swivel hole) and sold off in early 1946. Military SV-series revolvers would have the dull phosphate finish, not blued.

Thank you both.