Looks like I've got an military and police 1905, change 4.... Need help

[Marine 2f2]

I need some info on an old pistol. It's a smith and wesson 38 special. Nickle finish, pearl grips, 38 special. Top of barrel stamped with dates, oct 8 01, dec 17 01, feb 6 06, sept 14 08, dec 29 14.

Inside the cylinder area is stamped 81871

Serial number on butt is 4469xx

My great grandfather used this pistol when he was a bailiff in southern West Virginia in the 1920s I believe. I just inherited it and I am trying to find as much info on the pistol as I can.

It is in excellent shape, 1 small spot of surface rust on the cylinder and a little on the rear or grip. Bore is strong with no rust, functionally it's perfect.

I'm mostly looking for model number, year manufactured and approximate value for insurance purposes

[Alk8944]

The number in the yoke cut is an assembly number to keep the soft-fit compoments (frame, yoke, sideplate) together at the factory. The butt number (and on cylinder, yoke, extractor, barrel) is the serial number. This would have shipped around 1923-24.

What is it? Your title line is what it is. No model numbers were used until 1957.

Value? This is quite subjective based on condition, provenance, box & accessories. The gun could run any where between $125 and $450.

[charlie sherrill]

It belonged to your greatgrandfather so it is priceless. Keep it, take care of it, and pass it down. If possible get a S&W letter on it and then type up some kind of documentation for it to be kept with the gun so future generations of your family will know where it came from. Imagine what one of your future greatgrandchildren would think about owning this.

[Marine 2f2]

Thanks Charlie.

Yeah, I reAlly had no intention of selling it. I've got an extensive firearms collection so I have a lot of insurance on it, and as such every time I increase my coverage I need new documentation of a new acquisition.

Good call on the letter, working on an email to smith and wesson as we speak.