opoefc - Yes, there is a patent date on them. It's on the left grip just below the S&W monogram. But there is a slight problem. Most of the patent date is obliterated by the 3rd screw. All that is visible is PAT'D AUG... That's it. The date is missing because of the screw.

epidoc - You better cherish that gun. Low single and two digit serial numbers are rare and typically command a lot of money. Maybe once or twice a year I might encounter a gun with a low number.

jsmith