.38 V and D

[Zanie]

I️ have two SW .38 specials. 1) V 586880 and D 110997. I️ am trying to locate manufacturing dates. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[deadin]

V and D? First thing that came to mind was exported by Von Lengerke and Detmold. (Agents in NY early 1900's). The second thing was a gun with some serious problems.
Turns out you were asking about serial number prefixes....
The "V" were on Victory models of the basic .38 supplied to Britain during WW2. The D was used on models 10,12,13,14 and 45 from 1968 to 1977

 

[Zanie]

Thank you! Should I️ assume that, since the V model was for WW2, the year would be close to 1942-45?

 

[deadin]

1942-1945 Correct!
Chambered in 38 Special and 38/200

 

[murphydog]

Likely an early 1944 production date for the .38 Victory Model, and early 1969 for the later fixed sight K frame. Please feel free to share what model it is.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Zanie! Since you said the Victory was chambered for .38 Special, it wasn't sent to the British but likely was issued to the Navy in 1944 (which is what I believe Alan meant rather than 1994).

 

[murphydog]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Zanie! Since you said the Victory was chambered for .38 Special, it wasn't sent to the British but likely was issued to the Navy in 1944 (which is what I believe Alan meant rather than 1994).

Yup. Fixed. Thanks.