This forensic study discusses techniques used to recover obliterated and manipulated serial numbers.
It discusses in detail the kinds of deformation to the metal grain structure that are caused by original marking techniques including die stamping.
Useful information, considering the number of fakes now showing up!
http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs-wm/13406.pdf
The study conclusion is specific to recovering stampings in Aluminum alloys, which doesn't help us much, but the initial discussion is useful.
Marc
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Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum -
- Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.