I was wondering if someone could tell me what the date of manufacture is for my Remington 12A. There are two letters above the serial number, being R.W. and then the number is 5988XX. I imagine it's probably a 1920's era gun given the high number but not near the end of production numbers. Thanks in advance.

Remington Model 12A

Description: Slide-action, solid-breech, hammerless, takedown, side-ejection rifle.

Introduction Year: 1909

Year Discontinued: 1936

Total Production: Approximately 832,000

Designer/Inventor: J.D. Pedersen

Action Type: Slide-action

Caliber/Gauge: 22 short, 22 long, 22 long rifle

Serial Number Blocks:

Starting: 00001
Ending: 820,759

Grades Offered:

12A Basic Model
12B Gallery Special
12C Target
12D Peerless
12E Expert
12F Premier
12C N.R.A. Target Grades
12CS, DS, ES, FS chambered for .22 Rem Special cartridges and quality of finish

Variations: none

http://www.remington.com/products/archi ... el-12.aspx

This is the 2nd time I have read of grades. All mine has stamped on it is 12. Also what is the RW stamp for, what types of proofs would we look for on the bbl?

It was made in 1923 it should be date code stamped on the left side of the barrel right in front of receiver.
?P (P is 1923)

Oh and RW is Remington Works.