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Chris, when did the change-over happen, then? I can't find a source to state exactly, but I did read that I frames had traditional cylinder releases, then the J's got the flat latch. That's why I guessed J frame, since that gun had a flat latch. I know the Chief's Special came out in '56 and it was a J - oh, wait, that's when.
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Actually, I think you've got your dates a little muddled...
I don't think the flat latch was J-frame-only. It was used on all varieties of J-frame
and I-frame (incl. Improved I-frame) snubbies from 1950 to 1966. I've seen it on .32 Hand Ejectors and .38/32 Terriers in addition to Chief's Specials.
The switchover from the Improved I-frame to the J-frame was ordered in 1960, but I-frames continued to be produced until the existing inventory of frames was used up, which occured in 1961 or 1962 depending on the model. In typical S&W fashion, the exact date of the switchover is uncertain and not always well documented, although IIRC the last I-frame .32 was in the 712xxx serial number range. (Mine is 729xxx.)
Also, the Chief's Special came out in 1950. It was produced for about a year with the short grip frame and round trigger guard, the only J-frame to come that way.