CFA Serial Number Research & Dating

Question 1

Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, U.S. firearms manufacturers were first required to do what regarding serial numbers?

Accepted Answer

Mark every firearm with a unique serial number

Answer

The Gun Control Act of 1968 mandated that all domestic manufacturers and importers mark every firearm with a unique serial number, establishing the federal baseline for traceability.

Question 2

What is the primary appraisal significance of establishing a firearm's date of manufacture through serial number research?

Accepted Answer

It determines whether the firearm qualifies as an antique under federal law

Answer

Firearms manufactured before 1899 are classified as antiques under the GCA and are exempt from many federal transfer requirements, making the manufacturing date critical to legal classification and value.

Question 3

A term describing a firearm where all major components — frame, barrel, cylinder or slide — retain their original factory-matched serial numbers is known as:

Accepted Answer

Matching numbers

Answer

A 'matching numbers' firearm has all serialized components bearing the same original number as assembled at the factory, which is a primary indicator of authenticity and commands a significant value premium.

Question 4

When an appraiser encounters a firearm described as 'force matched,' this typically means:

Accepted Answer

Components from different guns were restamped to appear as an original matched set

Answer

Force matching refers to the fraudulent practice of re-stamping mismatched parts with matching numbers to deceive buyers, which significantly diminishes authenticity and value once discovered.

Question 5

A Colt Single Action Army revolver bearing a serial number below approximately 100,000 with no letter prefix most likely dates from which era?

Accepted Answer

First Generation (1873–1940)

Answer

First Generation Colt SAA revolvers were produced from 1873 to 1940 and span serial numbers roughly 1 through 357,859, so a number below 100,000 without a prefix falls squarely in the First Generation.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Serial Number Research & Dating