Engine VIN number locations

When looking at an old Type 1 engine from the 1970s, where would I find VIN numbers to show the authenticity of the engine?

The vin number for a type 1 motor is located on the front of the block just below the oil filler. You should be able to look straight at between the generator pully and the crankshaft pulley.
I can send you a picture of the location if the description is confusing.
Jim

Once you locate the engine number, just below where the generator stand bolts on top of the case halves. (If you see the firing order on the bottom of the generator stand you're looking about 0.75 " too high.)

This link ought to help you identify the year of manufacture:

http://www.lightner.net/ybdb/serno.html

Luck!