That number is not a serial number.
Refer to:
http://www.cannon-mania.com/winchester_history.htm
The link above no longer works and I am not the original person responding to this question. A better answer, than a dead link, was provided by a person whose gunbroker forum handle is "iron jockey". I've summarized his post as follows:
The Winchester 98 Cannon was produced for sale by Winchester from 1903 to 1957(8). The only cannons that were truly serialized were those destined for foreign sales. The 3 digit numbers are actually assembly numbers so that barrels could be matched to trunion mounts after bluing (or other production processing) that would separate these components. After the assembly numbers reached 999 they rolled back to 001.
From 1903 to 1907 the barrel muzzle diameter was 1 inch. In 1908 the muzzle was increased to 1.25 inches. During the period, from 1903 to 1907, it is believed that Winchester sold less than 1000 cannons. If your cannon has a 1 inch muzzle then the 229 number reflects the 229th cannon to roll off the production line between 1903 to 1907 (probably 1903 or 1904 time frame). If your cannon has a 1.25" muzzle then the best you can do is know it was made between 1908 to 1958.
Proofhouse.com has Winchester serial number data.
With the serial number that you have supplied,your Winchester model 12 shotgun in 16 gauge was made in the year 1923.
Your serial number indicates that your Winchester model 12 16 gauge shotgun was made in the year 1925.
what is the manufacture date of a model 59 winchester 12 gauge shotgun with serial number 262XX
Please state the Winchester model number,serial number,and the caliber or gauge of your firearm so that you could receive a answer to your question.
With the serial number that you supplied,your Winchester model 24 was made in the year 1947.
The Winchester Model 12 16 gauge shotgun, with serial number 1779186, was made in 1918. This is according to the information released by Winchester.
Your serial number indicates that your Winchester model 1912 pump action 16 gauge shotgun was made in the year 1913.
Your Winchester Model 12 Slide Action Shotgun in 12 gauge with serial number 1747610, was manufactured in 1959.
your Winchester model 1200 was made in 1986,with the serial number you provided.
Your winchester model 12 shotgun in 16ga.was made by winchester in 1950,with the serial number that you provided.
Your serial number indicates that your Winchester model 12 shotgun was made in the year 1931.