To help distinguish models, S&W began using letter prefixes. For example, the "V" prefix was used for Victory Models during WWII, and "S" or "C" prefixes were common for post-war revolvers.
) was implemented, making every serial number unique across the entire product line. Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation 3. Top Resources for Research smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database
In 1980, the company shifted to a unique format (e.g., AAA1111). This system is standardized across all product lines, making these newer firearms much easier to identify in modern databases. How to Perform a Serial Number Lookup To help distinguish models, S&W began using letter prefixes
If your revolver has no serial number on the butt (only on the barrel or cylinder), it may be a very early antique. The first S&W .22 revolver (model 1, 1857) had serials only on the barrel flat. You’ll need specialty books, not standard databases. Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation 3
Following WWII, S&W introduced letter prefixes to help distinguish frames. Common examples include the "K" prefix for medium-frame revolvers and "V" for the wartime "Victory" models.