Decksweepers: How old is the Ithica Featherweight?:

[Trailer Park Casanova]

Was talking online about shotguns (decksweepers) to a friend,, then the kids wanted to see our collection.
They were re-loading shells with my dad up north, and have got more interested as a result.
I have the Winchester Defender, A couple different vintage Ithica featherlites in excellent condition,, and was wondering how long the featherlite has been around?
We had them in the Marines,, and I wanted to tell the kids they date back to WWI,, but not sure.
How long has the Ithica featherlite been in civilian and military service?
I occasionally hear the term 'superlite' in the same breath. Is that a different model?

[Kindsvater Flat]

I have a featherlight. Used to be a damn good gun. Last time I went to use it I noticed 3 expanded bubbles in there barrel. Only barrels I have been able to find are ones that were police issue and have literally no choke in them and they are to short also. I have 2 Browning Magnums, and 3 Browning A-5's all in 12 guage and all Belguim made. I have 2 870's, 12 and 20 guage. This I have no shells for...
8 guage (Not much on it other than "American" and "C.S. Shattuck, Hatfield, Mass." I'm guessing late 1800's) Great Grandfather used it for market hunting.
http://www.schoutenranch.com/miscboat/gun3.JPG
http://www.schoutenranch.com/miscboat/gun5.JPG

[SmokinLowriderSS]

From 10th edition Gun Digest Modern Gun Values book:
Ithaca Model 51 Featherlight
Same specs as model 51 exc hand-fitted engraved reciever.
Weight 7.5 pounds
Introduced 1978
Discontinued 1982
Perfect condition, $375
Excelent $300
Very good $275
Base model 51 also discontinued 1982, intro'd 1970.
Some versions of the Model 51 continued untill 1986, last year any made.