Serial number would be interesting but it wouldn't add any information as far as documenting the gun as a special gun from the Remington Custom Shop in 1951 or whatever. It could be any serial number and be fake or real. As far as being "too tough on the guy", what if he were getting ready to pay more than $350 for this refinished nondescript 1889 faked up with letter? How would you guys feel if we weren't honest with him and he wrote some faker a big check? I hope when I ask about a faked up gun like this someone is "tough on me" so I don't get screwed. Give me a break. This guy doesn't even know how to identify a 20 gauge gun from a 12 gauge gun and some of you guys are reluctant to tell him the truth. Shame on you.