Something occurred to me reading the Blog Johnson County Wars. The guns used in the 1800's had serial numbers. When were serial

[Carl Huber]

Something occurred to me reading the Blog Johnson County Wars. The guns used in the 1800's had serial numbers. When were serial numbers first used and why?

[jhjimbo]

Guns in the mid 1800's had serial numbers, especially for the military. They were not required until the Gun Control Act of 1968.

[99explorer]

According to my serial number reference books, they go back at least as far as 1837, and probably much earlier.
The first Henry rifle, serial number 1, was made is 1860. The earliest Colt, the Baby Paterson, was made in 1837, presumably bearing serial number one.

[Greenhead]

Good question and interesting answers, thanks.

Does anyone know if it was common for other goods to have serial numbers and guns adopted the practice, or if it started with armories?

[Carl Huber]

Usually art was serialized IE Lithographs and Bronze Sculpture. The first being the most valuable. But I believe this post dates Firearms. I was wondering why a number was attached to a gun Way before registration was a thought? Maybe Biden's Great Grandfather started it all.

[Pray- hunt-work]

I would blindly guess that there may have been serial numbers recorded when a weapon was given to a certain troop? Possibly for aiding in identifying the dead, and also to keep record of what the government had given out? After the military arms manufacturers started keeping record of military firearms the practice carried over to civilian arms also?

[Carl Huber]

Usually art was serialized IE Lithographs and Bronze Sculpture. The first being the most valuable. But I believe this post dates Firearms. I was wondering why a number was attached to a gun Way before registration was a thought? Maybe Biden's Great Grandfather started it all.