CFA Manufacturer & Proof Marks Flashcards
6 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CFA Manufacturer & Proof Marks flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of researching a firearm's serial number during a CFA appraisal?
Answer: To establish the approximate year of manufacture and verify originality
Serial number research allows an appraiser to establish the approximate year of manufacture, verify authenticity, and confirm the firearm matches its represented specifications.
Winchester Model 1894 lever-action production began in what year, corresponding to the first serial numbers issued?
Answer: 1894
Winchester Model 1894 production began in 1894 with the earliest serial numbers, making the model name itself a reliable indicator of its introduction year.
Colt's internal date letter coding system used from 1921 to 1970 allowed appraisers to determine what?
Answer: The exact manufacturing year by decoding letters stamped on internal parts
Colt used an internal date letter system on hidden components that, when decoded, reveals the exact year and sometimes month of manufacture for firearms produced between 1921 and 1970.
On Smith & Wesson revolvers, the 'dash number' following the model number (e.g., Model 10-8) indicates what?
Answer: A design change or engineering revision
Smith & Wesson's dash numbers indicate engineering change revisions, with higher numbers representing later design updates to the same basic model.
What does the difference between a 'two-line' and 'three-line' barrel address on a Colt Single Action Army revolver indicate to an appraiser?
Answer: Different production eras that affect collectibility and value
Colt SAA barrel address variations indicate different production periods, which significantly affects collector interest and appraised value for these highly sought revolvers.
Why is a 'matching numbers' firearm generally more valuable than one with mismatched components?
Answer: All major components share the same serial number, confirming the gun was never disassembled and parts swapped
Matching numbers confirm that all major components share the same serial number, indicating the firearm was never stripped and parts replaced, preserving full originality and maximum collector value.