I recently acquired what I believe is a "vintage" model 40. It looks exactly like the pictures above.

How do I go about dating and valueing this handgun for insurance purposes?

I appears to be serial number #3199. This number is stamped into the gun in a couple of different locations...at the bottom of the butt of the grip...under side of the barrel when the cylinder is opened.

But, under the cylinder pivot is a different number stamped into the frame. This number is #3796 with a "W" above it and 1 "5" below it.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

John