No diamonds on grips, so after 1968. Barrel pinned, so before 1982. The date range is supported by the thumb latch (it has the post-1966 form) and the Bangor Punta box (1966 or later).

I don't understand the serial number. The Standard Catalog shows that some model 38s had a J in the fourth position of the serial number in 1971-72, but that's the only year reported with that exact configuration. I thought this might be a typo in the book, but maybe not. But in that year there really should be a J in front of the six-digit (or six-character) serial you report.

All things taken into account, I'm leaning toward the 1971-72 date. But I'm not sure.

David W.

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David Wilson