"new" M&P date help

[Oxenford1550]

I just bought a used S&W revolver (a pre-Model 10?) with a 4 inch barrel. The guy told me it was part of his father's estate and that he was selling what he didn't want to keep. I think it dates from the mid 1950s but couldn't find the serial number range listed online. It has fixed sights, five screws and the wood grips have the same numbers (without the C) as the numbers on the butt and on the cylinder and under the barrel. The number is C 324081. I'd appreciate any help.
Thanks.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Your .38 Military & Police hand ejector, Pre-Model 10 likely shipped in January or February 1955. Guns with serials near yours were shipping then. S&W implemented model numbers in 1957 and began stamping the guns in 1958 to 1960 or so. Nice looking M&P!

 

[JP@AK]

Guy is correct. Here are a couple of nearby M&P serial numbers:

C323949 shipped in January 1955
C324700 shipped in February 1955

 

[Oxenford1550]

That was fast!
Thanks Guy and JP for the info- those other dates bracket mine really close.