J.C. HIGGENS model 20

Hello folks, my father in law just gave me his old shotgun on my last visit! this thing is in good shape and appears to be ready to shoot! He cannot remember when he bought it only that he decided that he was not fit to shoot a shotgun. He claimes that since new he has never been able hit anything with one, haha. There is a number...583.2002, behind the sears bla bla co. would this be the serial number or do they put it somewhere else? Any help would be appriciated.
BARN BIRDS BEWARE....I GOTTA NEW TOY!!