The Make, the Model AND the Serial Number are all needed if you know where to look. A publication called the "Shooter's Bible" is a great place to start.
By the serial number.
The model number of the gun and make along with the serial number usually will determine the age of a gun.
4092
Possibly if it is a Browning made by Miroku.
Call Browning, give them the serial number, and they will tell you the age and a host of other information about your gun.
With just the serial number, nothing.
Give us the make & model of the gun and maybe we can tell it's age.
Just the serial number is not enough to tell who or what you have.
No way to tell with only a serial number- sorry, but they are not unique to only one gun.
No way to tell from a serial number only.
Usually by the serial number. If no serial number, then by features
You will have to tell us who made it and if it is a hand gun or long gun, caliber/gauge, etc..