If your serial number starts with "SV," your revolver was manufactured very late in the war (mid-1944 to August 1945).
Prior to the U.S. entry into World War II, Smith & Wesson was producing the .38 Military & Police revolver (the predecessor to the famous Model 10). When the war broke out, the US government contracted Smith & Wesson to produce revolvers for the military. s w 38 victory model serial number lookup
If the gun is all-matching (butt/barrel/cylinder) and has no major rust or pitting, pay for the S&WHF letter. That $100 could add $400 to the resale value. If your serial number starts with "SV," your