Photograph a lock plate, stock profile, or proof mark. Stempel analyses your images against an expert knowledge base to return a precise identification — nation, maker, period, and classification.
1 free identification — no credit card required · Sign in with Google or Apple
1 free identification — included with every account
Identify · Authenticate · Catalogue
Method
The same features a trained arms historian would examine — evaluated in seconds.
Photograph
Capture the lock plate, trigger guard, barrel profile, or full side view. The more detail visible, the more precise the result.
Visual comparison
Your image is matched against a curated corpus of archival reference photographs, engravings, and catalogue illustrations spanning three centuries of European arms production.
Feature analysis
Key identifying characteristics are scored and cross-referenced against known national patterns — ignition type, stock style, lock geometry, barrel furniture.
Identification
A ranked list of probable matches is returned with nation, period, maker where known, and the features that led to the identification.
Coverage
"From the flintlock era through the percussion cap transition — infantry muskets, cavalry pistols, naval arms, and colonial issue."
Reference material is sourced from primary catalogues, period armoury records, and specialist publications. Coverage focuses on the mid-18th to mid-19th century — the most densely produced and collected era of European military small arms.
Pricing
Start with a free identification. Pay only when you need more.
Stempel is currently in pilot — coverage and accuracy are actively expanding. Pilot pricing reflects this early stage.
Professional
per month · billed annually
Every new account includes 1 free identification — no credit card required.
FAQ
Stempel covers antique European firearms from approximately 1500 to 1900 — including flintlock pistols, percussion revolvers, muskets, rifles, and carbines. Coverage includes British, French, Belgian, German, Spanish, Dutch and other national arms traditions.
Stempel uses AI trained on hundreds of documented proof marks from major proof houses including Birmingham, London, Liège, Paris, and Vienna. Accuracy is highest for common British and Belgian marks. As with any AI tool, results should be verified by an expert for high-value pieces.
Stempel provides an AI-assisted authenticity assessment based on visual analysis — flagging common reproduction indicators, inconsistencies, and known fake patterns. This does not replace physical expert examination, which is always recommended before any significant purchase or sale.
For best results, photograph the full side view of the firearm with the barrel pointing right, in good natural light. For proof marks, a close-up showing the complete mark is ideal. Rubbing chalk into the mark can improve contrast and identification accuracy.
Yes — every new account includes one free identification. No credit card required to get started.
Ready
Upload a photograph and let three centuries of arms history work for you.
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