White, R.
and Keller, R.
(2015),
Restoration of firearm serial numbers with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), Forensic Science International, [online], https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.02.003
(Accessed October 10, 2025)
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Restoration of firearm serial numbers with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
Published
Author(s)
,
Abstract
Firearm serial numbers are a critical identifying mark, and restoration of destroyed serial numbers is often crucial for prosecution of a criminal case. Currently available methods, including acid etching and relief polishing, present serious limitations A method is presented utilizing electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) which allows for clear visualization of die-stamped imprints which have been completely polished away. Evidence of the stamp can be observed to a depth of approximately 760 µm below the surface. With further development, the described method is capable of fully restoring an 8 character serial number in approximately one hour.Citation
Forensic Science International
Volume
249
Pub Type
Journals
Download Paper
Keywords
Forensics, Serial Number, EBSD, Firearm
Citation
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Created February 8, 2015, Updated November 10, 2018