You will need to call Colt
You find a published list of serial numbers for the maker.
Try Proofhouse.com
Look up the serial number.
You find a book with serial number information and look it up. You find a book with serial number information and look it up.
Look on the butt or the frame.
1 - find serial number on weapon 2- find book with serial number data for weapon you have.
IF YOU CAN REMOVE THE HANDLE THE SERIAL NUMBER SHOULD BE THERE. YOU CAN TAKE THE GUN TO YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT AND HAVE THE GUN REGISTERED OR SEE IF THEY HAVE A PROGRAM WERE THEY BUY THE GUN.
Get the serial number Get a book on the comapany that has Serial Number data or a book that has serial number data, i.e., Blue Book of Gun Values.
If data has been published, you look it up.
To find your Winchester model 1897 serial number you need to look on the gun. You also can take it to a local gun dealer who can help find the number.
Yes it is illegal to own a gun that does not have a serial number. It is also illegal to remove the serial number off a gun.
that depends of gun maker. colt's, springfield, S&W and similar gun makers have books on gun dates. who made your gun will depend on a serial listing being available......