Gusgus30125: The serial number range 712954 to 826977 was used between 1971 & 1970, a H serial prefix was added in 1969, if there is a diamond of uncheckered wood around the grip screws then it is from 1968 or earlier, If it has a flat cylinder latch then it is from 1966 or earlier. Sorry I can't give you more info, laytonj1 may have more reference than I.
Oklahoma 1987: Your gun falls in the serial number range from 1915-1942, being 241704-700000, which is the .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change. As far as I know there are no patent dates on this versions barrel however. I am not all knowing and am willing to be corrected. The standard catalog of S&W notes that guns marked Texas State Prison were shipped 1927-1930 in the 500,000 to 630,000 serial range, so your gun predates that.
Some pictures may help to ascertain it's identity.