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The serial number 1688 apppears on the butt and on the cyinder face
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It's a Centennial (pre model 40). Serial numbers ran from 1 in 1952 to 30160 in 1971.
The early SN and lack of a model number stamping dates it to pre 1958. If it has 4 side plate screws (the 4th one located at the very top of the sideplate) then it's pre 1956.
Generally, you can shoot +P out of the all steel J frames.
That said, S&W does advise against it in pre 1958 guns.
For purposes of self defense carry, I can't see a problem with +P loads in it.
Jim