The V series started in the spring of 1942. If the number you posted is correct (4 digits) it is surely within the first few weeks of production. I have V77,000 and it shipped in September of 1942. They were really cranking these out for the war effort.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/ is where you can find a couple guys who collect and study the VMs and know all there is to know.
