Accurate Firearm Identification by a Certified Professional
Firearms Identification Services at Virginia Innovations, Inc. provide objective and accurate identification of firearms—from antique, historic models to modern production pieces—based on physical inspection, manufacturer documentation, seriation, and industry reference sources.
This service is offered by a Certified Firearms Appraiser through the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI), ensuring quality, consistency, and professional expertise.
Firearms identification focuses on determining what a firearm is—not what it is worth.
Identification does not include monetary valuation or extended historical provenance research.
What This Service Includes
Our firearms identification work helps you understand:
- Manufacturer and model identification
- Configuration and features
- Caliber, action type, and technical characteristics
- Manufacturer production context
- Relevant serial number interpretation and documentation
Identification is often the first step in:
- Cataloging inherited firearms
- Preparing for appraisal or disposition
- Understanding an unknown or unfamiliar firearm
- Documenting a firearm’s place in a collection
Identification may rely on class characteristics and observable features to determine the most accurate classification for the firearm.
Clear Scope & Expectations
This service does not include:
- Appraisal or monetary valuation
- Extended archival or provenance research
- Market analysis
If additional research is needed to establish ownership history, provenance, or valuation context, we will appropriately refer you to our Provenance Research Services or Firearms Appraisal Services.
Professional Qualifications
Firearms identification work at Virginia Innovations, Inc. is performed by:
Dennis A. Gayness
President, Virginia Innovations, Inc.
Certified Firearms Appraiser – American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI)
Your firearm is examined and identified using industry-standard reference sources, serial number databases, manufacturer records, and experience-informed methodologies.
Fees & Billing (Defensible & Transparent)
Identification work is billed on an hourly basis and is quoted in advance based on:
- Size and complexity of the firearm
- Condition and completeness of documentation provided
- The time required for thorough assessment
Identification engagements begin with a scope review to determine requirements, and all fees are:
- Based on professional time and expertise
- Non-contingent on valuation outcome or future services
For clients who may also require valuation or provenance research, separate services are available with distinct scopes and expectations.
How Identification Relates to Other Services
- Provenance Research Services provide deeper historical documentation and may take significant additional time.
- Firearms Appraisal Services provide defensible monetary valuation and are distinct from identification work.
If your needs extend beyond basic identification, we will discuss the appropriate service and associated scope with you.
Start with a Scope Discussion
Whether you have a single firearm or multiple pieces, begin with a scope review to determine goals and expected effort.
📌 Request an Identification Review
Virginia Innovations, Inc.
Firearms Appraisals • Firearms Identification • Provenance Research • Industry Consulting
Certified Firearms Appraiser – American Gunsmithing Institute