Hey, I'm not sure about the worth, but I am also interested in the answer. I too just found a Remington 870 wingmaster 12 gauge made in 1951...
The W ahead of the serial number indicates that your Remington 870 wingmaster was made in 1972.
Do a search on barrel codes, I believe that will give you an answer
$2
Remington made several versions from 1950 through 1959, and still do. It depends on condition, gauge, grade or version. I have recently bought a 51, a 53 and a 56. Prices run NORMALLY for AVERAGE standard shotguns 150-250 but more if they are of certain gauges and condition.
From the date code stamped on the barrel. Look for the manufactured date link on the Remington Society of America for details.
Check the Remington Society of America, date barrel codes and location. http://remingtonsociety.com/rsa/questions/barrelcodes
All Remington model 870 shotguns were made in the Unites states.The Remington plant was located in Ilion,New York.
See related link.
Contact Remington Customer Service thru their website.
@ 200 USD
Made by the Remigton Firearms Company.