Originally Posted by
devinfan
Thanks all! I'll try to nail down the year - the model is a Landmaster. I was really impressed by the fact that everything was sealed and still buttery smooth, including the bb. I haven't gotten it on the road yet but I can't wait!
This is from the Nishiki database, but it applies more then likely.
Kawamura manufactured frames (1972-1987*)
Serial number format XYZZZZZ where:
X is a letter indicating the market using the following codes:
C = Canada (pre-1985)
K = USA (pre 1985)
W = USA (1985-1987*)
Y is a letter indicating the last digit of the manufacturing calendar year, where A =1, B = 2, C = 3… J = 0. Exception is letter S, used on all frames prior to 1975.
ZZZZZ is a five or six digit number, apparently representing a sequential frame manufac turing number for the year (or era in the case of pre 1975 frames)
Example 1: KA24587 is the 24,787th frame produced in 1981 for the US market.
Example 2: CG231117 is the 23,117th frame produced in 1977 for the Canadian market.
Example 3: WE54612 is the 54,612th frame produced in 1985 for the US market.
* Serial number format may extend beyond 1987, but there are no reported examples, to date.