1959 Winchester Model 12 Featherweight Serial Number
Saverio Lazaro
Per the orignal Winchester factory records (in possession of the Cody Firearms Museum), the first Model 12 Featherweight was manufactured March 26th, 1958 (serial number 1795757), and the last one made was on March 3rd, 1959 (serial number 1847892). The actual production period was just barely one year.
Pre-64 model 70s are commonly classified into one of three production groupings, framed around WWII. These groups are "pre-war" and "post-war", with a small number of rifles between these two groups referred to as "transition" rifles. In Winchester parlance, these three groupings of rifles are referred to as "Type I", "Type II" and "Type III" rifles.
The cross reference below provides an estimated production date by serial number, based on model 70 polishing room room records. Polishing room records documented when each receiver was polished and are the most complete model 70 records in existence. However, polishing was just one step in production, and not the final step. As a result, the polishing room dates somewhat precede the date each rifle was completed and ready to leave the factory. The list below is based on polishing room records, but adjusted based on other available information to provide a very close estimation of when any given rifle left the Winchester factory.
The Model 12 Featherweight was manufactured from 1959-1962 and has an "F" suffix following the serial number. This example, however, bears only the serial number "1" and therefore is very first complete Featherweight manufactured. It is unmarked with the exception of Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech and the serial number "1" on the underside of the receiver. Single bead sight, 2 3/4 inch chamber, and full choke. Fourteen groove, round slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with identification plaque on the left side marked "W 1575" and a checkered Winchester buttplate. Stock measurements are: drop at comb 1 1/4 inches; drop at heel 2 1/4 inches; length of pull 14 inches. The included FN America Certificate of Provenance identifies the shotgun by model and serial number, stating that it was previously a part of the Winchester Factory Collection where it was maintained by U.S. Repeating Arms.
WINCHESTER 1960 WINCHESTER MODEL 12 FEATHERWEIGHT 12 GA. COLLECTOR GRADE ANTIQUE - 12 GA - 30 "
A nice collector grade Winchester Model 12 Featherweight 12 ga. 30" round barrel, bead front sight, and an all original from 1960. The Featherweight was a limited edition option of the ever so popular Model 12. The Featherweight is similar to Standard Model 12 except made with an alloy guard and different takedown system. The Featherweight's were manufactured between 1959-62 in only a fraction of all the Model 12's manufactured. All Model 12 Featherweights have a "F" suffix after serial number. This Featherweight has serial number 1797857F. In 1960, only 4,500 Model 12's were manufactured and only a small portion were Featherweight's. This beautiful Model 12 Featherweight has some normal but minor wear marks and are shown in the photographs. The barrel is proofed with all the appropriate proof marks, engravings, etc. to include "WINCHESTER - MODEL - 12 - FEATHERWEIGHT - 12 GA - 2 3/4 CHAM - WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL - FULL". A great original limited production Model 12 Featherweight!