Uberti Serial Numbers

[Hoof Hearted]

Fixed the actions and forcing cones on a pair of Uberti 1875 pistols in 44-40 yesterday.
One of the serial numbers had really nice font and the other looked like it was "micro stamped" or some other kind of computer generated crud. Both of them had the serial numbers offset on the frame so you could install a lanyard ring (a nice touch)
The fellow that brought them to me said his new EMF 1892 also had the same type of "micro stamped" serial number. This is YEECCHH

You won't see me buying new Italian firearms if this continues!

[Oldelm]

HH,....your post made me take a look at my two .44-40 Uberti 1875s, and the serial # fonts are different, but what's interesting is that the nicer looking font is on the newer one (but I don't know exactly when it was made) which has the blade front site , an EMF Uberti. Here's a pic of it showing all but the the last 2 digits...



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.....the other one is an older Uberti Cimarron 1875, with post front site (discontinued in 1991),   which has nice font on the barrel, etc., but a larger, modern looking font for the serial #.......



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Both are offset towards the front of the grip. Do either of these look like the fonts on yours?

[Hoof Hearted]

Oldelm

Good to hear from ya!

I didn't think to take pics of them and they left with the owner, but  your top number appears to be lazer etched or photo engraved. That doesn't look like a stamped number, as in your bottom pic, but still doesn't look too far from original. The number I am referring to when I said "micro stamped" appears to be stippled with a very tiny punch. Like hundreds of stikes in the shape of each numeral. To me it would be like putting fake plastic bone grips that were metallic silver on the gun and trying to pass them off as reproductions (I know kind of a wild analogy). Like 21st century writing on a 19th century firearm. The next thing they'll be doing is selling Brown Bess' with camo stocks

Actually Chaparral marks thei barrels the same way as your top picture, and It is too much writing in a much too non-tradional manner.

[Flint]

For the past few years, Uberti has had these computer appplied serial numbers.  They look like a metal stamping version of a dot matrix impact printer, like we had before the ink jets became the norm..

[Hoof Hearted]

Flint

Not like that
Like I described to Oldelm, I've seen the newer (the last few years style) for a few years
This looks like something you would expect on a Jennings or some other $99.00 gun.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

That'$ progre$$. 

It's ALL about the Benjamins.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Hello again.

I'm not gonna let a stupid serial # stamping determine what gun I'm gonna buy.  But you're certainly welcome to.  NO disrespect intended, pard!

You could have the serial # professionally redone (the legal way) for a LOT less money than - say ... deciding NOT to buy the $550 Uberti and spending $1500+ for the new USFA version, which WILL have authentic markings.

Maybe that's just me!

[Hoof Hearted]

Well I was hoping to bring some light to those concerned and to maybe make a point that "progress" isn't for me
But once again all I did was confuse everyone that replied

No offense taken and none meant............but my interpretation of the BATF rules regarding serial numbers is that "professionally redone" is considered "changing, removeing or obliterating".

Also SHB this was not my pistol, just one brought to me for timing and forcing cone repair.

Once again, I don't care for the "new" serial number stamping appearing on many of the Uberti firearms and I wanted to try to help out anyone who may be disappointed if they order one or purchase one sight unseen.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Howdy!

Hoof Hearted, apologies if my post came out as trying to chastise, cajole, corn-fuse or any other C-word that is not complimentary. 

You are probably more right about changing the location of any serial # - I thought (a dangerous occupation for ME) that as long as the serial # was reproduced EXACTLY as original, it is OK.  It may be ... IF you have a BATF approved 'Manufacturer's Permit" or whatever they call it.  But that may not include a jeweler who can engrave in an older style or do stampings.  Sorry if I was mistaken.

I agree with you that all progress certainly isn't always good!  And that IS a rather lame looking serial # technique ... if I do say so myself.    Heck - I'm still miffed at Uberti for changing the cylinder pin retention system on the 1875 Remingtons and then calling it the "Outlaw!"  And the change (not the name) was certainly for the sake of "progress" NOT authenticity!