Wood
on one side of the grips there should be a screw. take the screw out nad the grips will come off
1865
Model numbers did not come into use until the mid 50's. Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson by Supica and Nahas is the reference you need.
Until @ 1978
Smith & Wesson handguns come in the reasonably priced 9mm at $380.00 up to the magnum revolver at $1,400.00. The prices are quite competitive and their standards are excellent.
Insight and Crimson Trace come to mind.
There really is no way to know exactly when it was made. Smith and Wesson makes parts in batches and there is no guarantee that a frame made today will be built today. The closest you can come is a date showing when it shipped from the Smith and Wesson wareshouse. This particular serial number was shipped @ 1958.
You can get a owner's manual for free by going to S&W's website and requesting one.
Model numbers did not come into use until @1957
Model numbers did not come into use until @1957
If you mean Smith and Wesson, inside the frame near the crane if it has one. Model numbers did not come into use until @ 1957
Need a DETAILED descripiton of ALL markings to even come close to an answer.