S&W 35 no dash

[JRLesan]

Trying to get a close approximation of mfg date. The 35 was the I frame and the 35-1 was the J frame which was supposedly introduced in the 60's. My serial number is M54109 which dates it close to end of production of the 35's in '73. I know S&W's did not necessarily ship in order, but 60's to 70's seems excessive. Anyone have serial dates for the I frame BEYOND what I've been able to locate? Not going to request a letter as that resource is booked waaaay out in advance...

[rintinglen]

The M prefix seems to decisively indicate a 1973 DOM. The earlier I frame guns have no letter prefix. Measure the cylinder length, on the J-frame guns, it should be ~1.44" while the Improved I-frame guns have a cylinder that is about 1.25" long.

If you have the long cylinder, it's a J-frame, whether or not it has the "-1" marking.