could also be 1948...............
Contact S&W Factory they can do research for you
Three letter prefixes started @ 1983
When was 38 smith and Wesson serial number 172095
The phone number of the Smith And Wesson is: 413-781-8300.
The parts were manufactured by FEG in Hungary, and assembled by either Dan Wesson, or Magnum Research. If the serial number starts with a HP than it was assembled by Dan Wesson. Only 500 were produced, and than they switched over to Magnum Research. So- Parts are from Hungary, and it's assembled in the U.S.
Smith and Wesson is the make.
Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson
Your serial number was used by Smith and Wesson for the models 10,12,13,45,64,65,547.It dates this serial number to the year 1979.
On line- Dan Wesson Forum
K 7981 smith&wesson
Call Smith and Wesson with the serial number and the will tell you.
Email smith and Wesson for the answer