Welcome to the campfire, BillAF84! Your rifle is a model 1899C (1899C has the half-octagon barrel, 1899A has round, 1899B has octagon), and was probably made in early 1901. We have better serial number date ranges than most other sites.
The WEM is interesting, possibly an owner's initials. The borew should be .308", but feel free to confirm by slugging it. As far as we've been able to find, all 303 Savage barrels were .308" from the beginning - but some early ammunition makers used .311" bullets. Probably in an attempt to get higher pressures and higher velocity.
We'll be interested in hearing the dates, that might help us firm up the end of 1900/beginning of 1901.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
