Identifying Model 10 age

[mubikS]

I've done my homework and read every Model 10 thread, so here's what I've come to. Please comment if you have anything to add.

My gun: Serial # U297169.
Engraved on top of the barrel is:
MODEL 10 The Remington Arms Union Metallic Ctg. Co. Inc.
Remington Ilion Works, Ilion, New York, USA.
Patented February 3, 1903, and May 16, 1905.
Engraved on the lower left side of the barrel is:
MOD *
207169 RU WS3

Here's what I've found in my research on this forum:
>The company became Remington Arms Union Metallic Ctg Co in 1911 (but the Remington site says 1912), so I know it's a post-1911 gun.

>The Model 10 was discontinued in 1929, so I know it's older than that.

>Serial numbers in August 1928 started with 277000, so now it's older than that.

>Last but not least, the serial # identification diagram says W is August and S is 1925. Seems like issue solved. But what is the 3? And what is the symbol next to MOD? It's not an asterisk but rather the shape of a sun. And how do I find what grade this is? (I assume it is 1/A grade; Standard or Field. My father acquired the gun in '62 or '63 from a Maine resident, thus his reference to the gun as a "Goose Gun").

I appreciate your help in advance.

Let me add that this gun still shoots great. I absolutely obliterated a few skeet the day after Christmas. It does NOT, however, like Winchester shells. They continuously stovepipe. It demands Remington shells... but I guess that makes sense.

And even further, anybody know where I can find a guide to Mossberg serial numbers?

[mubikS]

The RU has an odd double-stamp, as if it were missed and someone attempted to restamp it, OR it's just a type of logo referring to Remingtion Union. The WS3 correctly corresponds to the numbering scheme listed elsewhere on this site, although said scheme does not provide explanation for the numeral. The repair code should be to the left of the original date code.


That said, I can't even really tell if it's a 3. It could be a bluing smudge, for all i know, and I'm trying to read a number that I think should be there. I wish I could show a picture of it, but I have no more AAA batteries for my camera.

Dad did not have any repair done.