Help Establishing Date of MFG

[ARFunIn]

I purchased a 38 spl yesterday here in Tucson and would like help figuring out the date of manufacture. Data as follows:

Type: Hand Ejector
Serial Number: C347XXX
Caliber: '38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.
Barrel Length: 4 in.
Sights: Fixed
Additional:
1) With strain screw
2) 5-Screw
3) Post manufacture marking: freehand vibro-ingrave
'382XXX' and 'WSR-57' - Believed to be retired (W)A (S)tate (R)eforms M&P

Thank you in advance...

 

[DWalt]

Yours would likely have been shipped in early 1956. It's often called a "pre-Model 10" M&P by collectors. S&W started a model numbering system beginning in 1957.

 

[ARFunIn]

Yours would likely have been shipped in early 1956. It's often called a "pre-Model 10" M&P by collectors. S&W started a model numbering system beginning in 1957.

Thank You...