When my grandfather died, he left behind an old revolver with the serial obliterated. I contacted and took it to the ATF with the original serial number that I was able to find under the action plate. They took it, checked to see if it was stolen, then filed for a new serial. Took a few months to get the new serial, so they let me take it back home and have it sit in the safe.
Once the new serial came in an I picked it up, I sent the revolver and paper work to a smith who's done this sort of work for re-legalized guns. The gun will have to have 2 serials engraved. The original needs to be added, and the 10-13digit (stupidly long) ATF approved serial needs to be added. After the smith completes the work, he holds onto it for an ATF agent to come over and check it. Once that's done, you can pick up your gun.
Cost me $35 and 4 months when all is said and done.
Now your gun was in a slightly different situation. No legal advice, but something to consider if you come across a similar situation. Ask if you can get your gun back. Talk to your local ATF about the situation and see if they can do anything. The worst thing they can do is flat out say no. If any thing, you can learn a bit about how system works.
