Perhaps I should have checked this before my earlier response, but here is a picture (not a great one, but it gives you the idea) of a .38 Double Action 3rd Model S&W. The patent dates on the top of the barrel are the same as your first two (i.e., May 11, 1880 and Jan. 3, 1882), so presumably what you are looking at is a later 4th model with an additional patent date.
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