It could be the benchmark of the gunsmith who assembled the revolver.
open the cylinder, and it should be stamped there along with the serial number
Probably an assembly number.
Realistically, you can't. If you give the sn, the best you will get is range of models. If it has a model number, it will be stamped on the revolver inside the frame by the yoke/crane assembly.
The production year is not stamped on a gun. It is the serial number that is used to tell which batch was made in a particular year. Go to: proofhouse.com for listings.
Type your answer here... Can you e-mail me at kdeeken@hotmail.com regarding the revolver?
Open the cylinder and look at the frame that is usually hidden by the crane. The serial number is stamped on the frame.
Could be the issued officer's initials and badge number.
On an older revolver, you are not likely to find a model number, since they did not use model numbers. If you remove the grips, you should find the serial number stamped in the frame under the grips.
Most F&Ws that HAD a serial number had it stamped on the butt- and stamped on the rear of the cylinder. LEGALLY, the one on the butt is the serial number. Many older guns did not have serial numbers, especially lower cost guns.
Butt and inside crane
Check the bottom of the butt and inside the crane.
You can find out at Proofhouse.com