Starangel1, Correction: All S&W revolvers do not have a "stamp" on the side, Nor a serial number on the "handle" ( I think you mean the butt, right?) and the only dates on the barrel is the patent date(s), not when the gun was made. Finally, most Model 1s have silver plated frames for the 1st & 2nd issues. 3rd issue frames came nickel or blue.
Please get a copy of "The Standard Catalog pf Smith & Wesson. 3rd edit., by Supica & Nahas. You can learn a lot from the book. Good Luck, Ed.