Restoration of firearm serial numbers with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
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Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Synchrotron X-ray Microdiffraction and Fluorescence Imaging of Mineral and Rock Samples
Published on: June 19, 2018
Ryan M White1, Robert R Keller2
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, MS647, Boulder, CO 80305, USA.
Abstract:
Firearm serial numbers are a critical identifying mark, and restoration of destroyed serial numbers is often crucial for prosecution of a criminal case. 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 reconstructing an 8 character serial number in approximately 1 h.
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