Nice rifle. If you don't have one already, you might want to get "The Winchester Lee Rifle, by Gene Myszkowski. It's not expensive and contains great info on the rifles. This is what it says about your rifle. Your serial number is within the 2nd contract. The 2nd contacted ones had some improvements over the first contract ones and the first deliveries were in August 1, 1898 and to be completed September 27th. It was inspected by Lt John N. Jordon. I have a first contract one, nice rifles, Ray