My late Dad acquired this shotgun in the late 80's and Mom passed it on to me along with a couple of other guns after he passed away in '99.
It's my understanding Winchester started off with these in 1964 and production stopped in January 1981. During this time the Military used a short barrel trench gun version of the Mod 1200 with a metal heat shield and bayonet mounting lug in the Vietnam War.
These Winchester guns are difficult to date and in many cases, impossible due to missing records. However according to the surviving lists of Winchester serial numbers this one appears to have been built in early 1973. Certainly not, I would think, an ancient collectors item and they aren't worth much but it has sentimental value to me that is incalculable.
Not much bluing left on the old girl, it has been well used over the years but it's still a serious contender in the field!
Our youngest daughter Sam made a danged good accounting of herself with the clays using this gun. Even with a 30" full choke very few of them got past her!