Partially Hidden Serial Numbers

southriv · 11-02-2005, 10:30 PM

Okay, I admit to being clueless on a number of things (don't tell my wife), but I am trying to understand the hiding of 2 or 3 digits of a serial number in an auction or some other presentation. Everyone sees full serial numbers on this and other forums, books, Simpson's (for example - and everyone else's ) website, gun shows etc.

Could someone explain this too me?

Thanks, Bob

Dwight Gruber · 11-03-2005, 01:33 AM

Bob,

Conventional wisdom has it that there are two reasons for this.

The first, is to avoid the legal enganglement of someone claiming that it is gun stolen from them at some time.

The second, is the problem faced by dealers of someone buying the gun, and then sending it back during the three-day (or however long) inspection period with different numbered parts--all they really wanted was some parts with the gun's number to force-match with their own pistol. An activity beyond reprehensible.

The practice of hiding parts of a serial number is extremely frustrating to those of us who are trying to do research.

--Dwight

Don M · 11-03-2005, 11:38 AM

"The practice of hiding parts of a serial number is extremely frustrating to those of us who are trying to do research."

Amen!

11-02-2005, 10:30 PM	#1
southriv User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Countryside New England Posts: 148 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Partially Hidden Serial Numbers Okay, I admit to being clueless on a number of things (don't tell my wife), but I am trying to understand the hiding of 2 or 3 digits of a serial number in an auction or some other presentation. Everyone sees full serial numbers on this and other forums, books, Simpson's (for example - and everyone else's ) website, gun shows etc. Could someone explain this too me? Thanks, Bob

11-03-2005, 11:38 AM	#3
Don M Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,429 Thanks: 67 Thanked 292 Times in 191 Posts	"The practice of hiding parts of a serial number is extremely frustrating to those of us who are trying to do research." Amen! __________________ Regards, Don [email protected] Author of History Writ in Steel: German Police Markings 1900-1936 http://www.historywritinsteel.com

11-03-2005, 01:33 AM	#2
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,902 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,318 Times in 431 Posts	Bob, Conventional wisdom has it that there are two reasons for this. The first, is to avoid the legal enganglement of someone claiming that it is gun stolen from them at some time. The second, is the problem faced by dealers of someone buying the gun, and then sending it back during the three-day (or however long) inspection period with different numbered parts--all they really wanted was some parts with the gun's number to force-match with their own pistol. An activity beyond reprehensible. The practice of hiding parts of a serial number is extremely frustrating to those of us who are trying to do research. --Dwight