Nicci_Mierin's page

CBDunkerson wrote:

For existing items the caster level is always listed right at the top of the entry;

"Aura moderate evocation; CL 10th; Weight 2 lbs.; Price 50,335 gp"

As to how they got to 10th, that gets tricky with items that don't fit the simple pattern, but I'd guess that someone estimated it was about equivalent to a +5 weapon quality overall.

I don't think we can infer the special weapon caster level requirement from the CL of the item. A +1 Flaming sword would have a CL of 10, but a caster level requirement of only 3. (Though of course you couldn't even have the feat at 3rd level...)

Edit - Also, 10 doesn't work as an answer because the rule says we're multiplying by 3 to get there, and 10 isn't evenly divisible by 3.

Au contraire, I've recently discovered an Archetype that grants Craft Magic Arms and Armor at 3rd level, which is the Forgepriest Archetype of Warpriest. Which is surprising, though the best they'd be able to do is give a weapon/armor +1. As for how I read the Magic Arms and Armor feat, you would be able to give a +1 weapon/armor a +1 special quality at level 6, though I'm not certain how the DC would be calculated as far as CL goes for crafting. Which is why I'm looking at this thread.