Homer: I have no idea where you got your information as to the appraised value of your gun; but I can't imagine a 12-bore Specialty being worth close to that kind of money unless it had survived all these years absolutely new and in its original box still covered with cosmoline. As to 30" barrels, the vast majority of 12-bore Specialty grades, as well as all other Smith 12-bores, left the factory with 30" tubes; so there is nothing special regarding the barrel length on your gun. As to Specialty Grade rarity and value, a .410 Specialty is very rare and would be bring a tidy sum from a serious collector, but such is not the case for the larger 12-bore. Please don't think I am trying to denegrate your father's gun, as I'm certainly not; but someone may have given you some bad information if your gun is indeed a Specialty Grade (all Specialty Grades are roll-stamped with that designation atop the right barrel). Now, if your gun is not roll-stamped as just described, it could be a "special"; meaning that your gun was built outside standard grade parameters. If that is the case, it could be very collectible, and have a high value; and posting some photos would allow us to determine an approximate grade quality and allow us to give you a value range. Give us the complete serial number and we can tell you the year the gun shipped from the factory; then double check that grade mark and let us know what you find. If it is a post-1913 Specialty Grade, the gun still has value depending on a number of variables (options, alterations, how much of the original finishes remain, etc); but not nearly the amount noted in your post. I sincerely hope that your gun is a "special", and not a "Specialty"; as I can only imagine your disappointment at being mislead for so many years. Regards, Tom