Not positive . I bought one new in 1956 so my guess is early 50ies
The model 87 was made for Montgomry Ward by Savage Stevens from 1938-1945.
The Stevens model 87 was made from 1938-1982,with a total production of 1,800,000 made during this time span.
The first model 87A was made from 1938-1945.There was also a Stevens model 87 semi-auto that was made in the early 1980,s.
the Stevens model 87 was made 1938-1945,with total production of 200,000.
Your western field MO59 was actually made for Montgomery Wards(Western Field) by the Stevens firearm Company.The Stevens model 87 and your firearm are one and the same.the Stevens model 87 semi-auto .22cal rifle was made from the year 1937 and discontinued in the early 1980,s.
Your montgomery wards shotgun was made by stevens for montgomery wards.The stevens model designation is stevens model M87.These shotguns are valued at between 50-150 dollars depending on overall condition and a good bore.
The stevens model 87T along with the model 87 had a long run.It was made from 1938-1983.Stevens did not keep records of the yearly production by serial numbers.
I can say that the Savage/Stevens model 87 was made from 1938-1980,s.the original model 87 was made from 1938-1945 in the amount of 200,000 rifles.I am not sure of when the model 87D variant was made however.
The stevens model 87 which is what you have was made from 1938-thru the early 1980,s.There were 1.8 million made during this time span.
The Stevens model 87 semi-auto .22cal rifle was introduced in 1938,and made until the early 1980,s.
The Stevens model 9478 was made by Stevens between 1978-1985.
Made for Sears Roebuck. Same gun as the Savage Model 6 or Stevens Model 87. Savage made these from 1938 to 1968.