I'm sorry if this question has been asked before but I haven't seen it... I have read that all 1st Model Hand Ejectors are pre-1899 but I have also read that they were in production or being sold until 1903. If this is true then how are all 1st models pre-1899?

Also, is it accurate to say that you can definately tell that it is a 1st model if it has Smith and Wesson and the patent dates on the cylinder?