Hawat,
You have an earlier (circa Jan., 1940) British Service Revolver frame/barrel that was originally chambered in .38 Smith & Wesson. It has been fit with a .38 Special cylinder cannibalized from a later Victory Model (SN V164800, circa Nov., 1942). You should have the owner check to see if there's a spare (original) cylinder anywhere to be found.
The "38/380" marking was applied after it left the factory in order for the British to identify it as being chambered for their standard .38 loading (called ".380" by the Brits) as opposed to the identical model revolvers that were also obtained in the non-standard .38 Special chambering.
The "B.O." marking found under the right stock panel is believed by some to indicate "British Order." The other markings under the stocks are irrelevant assembly marks used to keep parts together during final assembly.
Steve
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