Sorry, it's not a serial number. Just a lot or batch number. Probably sold through Sears & Roebuck catalog circa 1930. Too old to be useful to a hunter, too common to be a collectable. $50 - $100 if it is a single shot, $150 - $250 if a double barrel.
To determine the age of a White Powder Wonder 16 gauge break-down single shot shotgun with the serial number 823RW, you would typically need to consult the manufacturer's records, as these shotguns were produced by various companies in the early to mid-20th century. Generally, models produced under the White Powder Wonder name were made between the 1920s and 1950s. The specific serial number may also help narrow down the production year by referencing available serial number charts or databases. For the most accurate information, contacting a firearms historian or the manufacturer (if still in existence) would be advisable.
Stevens Arms.
Dirks bentley
Guns with the name New White Powder Wonder were made by the Crescent Fire Arms Company, W.H. Davenport Arms, Meridian Fire Arms Company or Stevens Arms & Tool Company. They were made for and sold by Sears Roebuck & Company.
The White Powder Wonder shotguns were made before World War II.
1935 1940
@ 100 USD depending on conditon.
50-100
$50-$75 if it is a single shot, $150-$250 if it is a double barrel.
The one I have is from the 1912 Sears & Roebuck catolog. I am trying to find its value. It is in Very good shape.
WWhite Powder Wonders was a trade name and were manufactured by Stevens. The value would be that of a shooter. Comparable to the value of other shooters made for western Auto and Sears White Powder Wonder: Trade name used by Albert Aubrey of Meriden, Connecticut on shotguns made for the Sears, Roebuck and Company of Chicago. http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catalog/cross_reference.html
Drugs as white powder can be any number of things. It can be heroin, cocain or crunched amphetamine like speed or ectasy. White powder also can be methylamphetamin, which is called Crystal Meth, too.