Serial Number & VIN Restoration

FoCoSS Forensics specializes in the restoration of obscured or obliterated VIN, serial and part numbers and over-stamping examinations.

These days, just about anything of value will have a unique number or code.  Cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles have Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).  Boats manufactured after 1973 will have a Hull Identification Number (HIN).  The 1968 Gun Control Act (GCA) required all manufactured firearms to have an unique serial number.  An authenticated number may help establish the provenance of a vintage firearm or automobile.

Not all firearms necessarily have a serial number, and therefore, because one is not found does not mean it was obliterated.  Firearms may have proof marks, importer markings or part numbers and some of these markings can be confused for a serial number.  Serial numbers may be stamped, laser engraved or be in the form of a barcode or QR code.  Some firearms may have one or more hidden serial numbers whose location is not known to the general public. 

There are instances in which a vehicle or firearm had its original number ground down and re-stamped with a different number, which is sometimes referred to as over-stamping.  In certain circumstances it is possible to restore some or all of the characters of the original number.  We have experience working cases involving various types of automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, snow machines, and firearms. 

FoCoSS Forensics can perform scientific examinations in this area which is sometimes referred to as “raising a serial number.”  We can also review cases and the reported opinions and methods utilized in these types of examinations.  Contact us if we can assist in your case. 

 

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