Need help getting info my Model of 1917

I just picked up my first Winchester M1917, I have been sieving through the sites, references and documents provided here, which has proven to be quite detailed and useful.
However, I cannot find any reference to the 3 letter/character stamp located on the left side of the stock, just above the trigger, and trigger-guard, seen in attached images. The only other stamps (on the stock) are located just behind the trigger-guard one is the number 2 followed by what appears to be a 3, or an 8, or maybe even an "x", and the other is just beneath that; the boxed capital P.
I will upload better and more detailed images, if the sun comes back to upstate NY this summer, the 2 provided were the best I could get this weekend.

The P on the small is a proof mark and the other marks are rebuild.

AA= Augusta Arsenal
B= inspector initial

Stock Rebuilding Marks
U.S. Rifle M1917 Markings

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Originally Posted by AFJon

AA= Augusta Arsenal
B= inspector initial

Stock Rebuilding Marks
U.S. Rifle M1917 Markings

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Thank You for that, I saw that the AA was an arsenal code, but the 2 A's being uncrossed would require a special punch made me "overthink the significance", maybe the letter punch was plugged or worn. Either way it is a beautiful piece in my collection that I will exercise with this week.

I expect they used a stamp that was available, it's an older fashion of marking. It's a "V" not an "A"...

That is an odd one, I've only seen crossed A's in a larger font on an Augusta rebuild. In addition, I thought it was generally accepted that only Red River and San Antonio arsenals used the boxed P proof stamping.

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Originally Posted by pickax

That is an odd one, I've only seen crossed A's in a larger font on an Augusta rebuild. In addition, I thought it was generally accepted that only Red River and San Antonio arsenals used the boxed P proof stamping.

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That's why I posted in this forum, I was hoping that someone would have seen it before, as it seems to be deliberate. But then again maybe there is a gunsmith or collector, chuckling behind his hand, (or tombstone) at his prank.

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Originally Posted by Stoshu

But then again maybe there is a gunsmith or collector, chuckling behind his hand, (or tombstone) at his prank.

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That too is always a possibility as it looks brand new...

Try posting on the CMP bolt action site.

Two guys have a huge amassed of background on rifles, more 1903 but definitely up to speed on 1917 (John Bear and Rick the Librarian)

You might see if you can get Mr. Ferris address and write to him with those pictures as well. He certainly wrote the definite book on these.

As you have found though, odd things pop up, it does look like its been refinished and or cleaned up, post the rest of the info and pictures.

Have you taken it down and do you have a list of parts stampings (W, R or E?)