Reno; First,welcome to the Forum!
Secondly-Your S&W "Victory" was NO GREAT LOSS!! It was one of the thousands "converted" by British and American firms in the 1950's and 60's from the fine old British issue S&W 5" Victory Models in .38 S&W, not .38 Special. The great majority just had their cylinders reamed out to take the longer .38 Spec. load,leaving an oversize bore and cyl. not condusive to accuracy,or even safety with hotter loadings.
Many had their barrels shortened to 2.5" or so,or just even with the muzzle. One of these,bought for about $25 by mail order,was used by JFK's killer to shoot the Dallas cop,at point blank range.
I have seen several of these Victories that have had the cylinders and barrels sleeved to take the .22,and a new firing pin installed. Many had target sights added,and the fine old British firm of Cogswell and Harrison did most of these. These guns have extensive British proof markings.
These are NOT collectable,and the price of an original Victory in fine shape,will be about double.
I once knew a guy who bought one of these .22s for a very high price,convinced by the seller,that it was an original pre war S&W .22 Outdoorsman,that had been sold by H &C in England,hence the markings! He was NOT happy when some of us told him his expensive mistake. The seller,not a licensed dealer,who rented a table at a show,had given him a fake phone number,and was nowhere to be found. He'd palmed off several other coverted Victories,as he was a wonderful story teller!
So,I would NOT fret over your lost gun!
Bud