The Serial numbers on the model 41s started at 1401, in 1957. This info is in the 3rd.Edition catalog of S&W, If you don't have this book, you should get one. Brand New off of Flea Bay, shipped $30.00, if you buy from the right seller.
This was my earliest model 41 although I own one serial numbered 372X, and also one 968X.
They are both like new with box, and one even came with the counter weights, in there own box.
The surprise came when I was opening up the paperwork, and out came the original bill of sale. The neat part of that was the date it was sold. Dec. 7, 1958.