Hey everyone. I've been lurking these forums for years and have always enjoyed the wealth of knowledge accumulated here. I currently have the following smiths in my collection...SD9VE 9mm, M&P 15, 642-1, 66-5 and my newest acquired model 1899 which I was looking for some info on. I'll try to upload some pics in the morning for you all as well. From what I understand so far it is a very early production gun. It is a 4 screw side plate, I'll double check the barrel length but I believe it is a 5", blued, never refinished...retains about 60 percent of original bluing, no rust, original grips, matching serial number which is 4 digits (1981), chambered in 38 special and does not have the CTG roll mark. Does not have any military markings but does have the S&W roll mark on left side and the patent roll marks on top of barrel. Looks to be shot very little and lock up is great.
I am curious to see if you folks believe this may be a bit rarer than some and if anyone has a ballpark value on it. Thanks everyone and look forward too being part of this family in the future.

.38 caliber 1899s (at least the civilian ones) had no caliber stamps on the barrel until about the 7xxx range, so yours should not either. Those in .32-20 always had the barrel caliber stamping. SN 1981 would probably have shipped in 1900. Rare is probably not appropriate, but they are certainly scarce in the condition you describe. You should post a few good pictures if you want a value estimate.

Pics as promised

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Other side of pistol

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The only negative is it is missing the top large head screw on the side plate. I found a NOS screw though and should be here in a few days