Tom: open the gun to cock the hammers, then close the gun and set the safety. Be sure not to pull the triggers if the gun is broken down as you will be unable to get the forend back on. Take the forend off and separate the brls from the receiver. The serial number will be on metal of the forend, and the flat part of both the brls and the receiver. You can find the date of manufacture here: http://www.lcsmith.org/serial.php Galazan sells reproduction LC buttplates www.connecticutshotgun.com as does Wendell Allen at Outback Gunparts (812-945-0480)and http://vintagegungrips.net/