If you're referring to the United States, the most basic answer is, you can't.
Yes, as long as he knows the serial number.
4594
Most F&Ws that HAD a serial number had it stamped on the butt- and stamped on the rear of the cylinder. LEGALLY, the one on the butt is the serial number. Many older guns did not have serial numbers, especially lower cost guns.
Not certain of your question. Not all guns HAVE a serial number. They were not required on US rifles and shotguns until the 1968 Gun Control Act.
made about 1906............seldom any history on U.S. guns unless in a family a long time..
First, I think you mean register. In MOST of the US, there is no requirement to register ordinary firearms. Now, about the serial number- it is unlawful to REMOVE a serial number, or to possess a gun that has had the SN removed. However, there are guns that do not HAVE a serial number, and they are legal. Rifles and shotguns made prior to 1968 were not required to have serial number. Those guns are listed as NSN- No Serial Number- on paperwork that asks for a serial number.
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.
What kind of information?
SOME guns had serial numbers in the late 1800s. They were required by law on handguns and machine guns in 1934 (in the US) and on rifles and shotguns in 1968.
Inventory tracking for firearms. BTW, ammunition does not have a serial number.
Some makers offer a historical letter service.