Bill: please open the gun and look on the receiver for the serial number and grade
Then go to the Home Page and you can look up the date of manufacture under 'Shotguns', and find lots more information under 'FAQ' and 'Photo Trail.' You can also find out how to request a factory letter from the LCSCA; your cousin's name might be on the shipping records, though guns were usually ordered by Sporting Goods and Hardware stores.