Recovering block stampings after decking

[Jack O.]

Anyone ever heard of a process whereby your block pad stampings can be identified even though they not visibile to the naked eye (because the block has been decked for example). I have heard that law enforcement has a method for identifying stampings on guns even when they have been filed off and someone mentioned they thought this process has been applied to our hobby.
Thanks.

[Don 42616]

Re: Recovering block stampings after decking

I have seen this process using acid on gun barrels when #s are filed off. Acid is applied & a image appears. I believe its because the stamped area is harder. But on a motor deck more is needed to authenticate originality. Weather broach mark would appear or not is ?.......But interesting ?? Don

[John M.]

Re: Recovering block stampings after decking

Jack,
Even if the numbers could be raised, it would not be applicable to judging, I would not think. The appearance of the pad is the judged item and not necessarily what number was stamped there. Without the broach marks and the look of the number stamping, it would be pretty much usless. I would not think that any additional points would be awarded to any faint shadow of numbers that might be raised.

Regards, John McGraw

[Everett Ogilvie]

Re: Recovering block stampings after decking

I have done this. Search the early archives under my name and you should find several posts about it.