[fred cook]

Proofhouse says 1951, but that is a bit early for a third model (bottom mag release) pistol. The Colt site does say 1936 but that would be for a first model. IIRC, the third model guns came out in 1953 or thereabouts. The second model Woodsman pistols (1948-1953) had an "S" suffix. The really early thirds were built on a frame that had the little bulge for the push button mag release but was not machined for it. A case of Colt using up the leftover frames! Hope this helps.