Serial number question
 

OK, it is common knowledge that the military serial numbers are four digits, with the first block "bare" and then each subsequent block receiving a letter suffix.

A question I don't think I've ever thought of, popped up in my head: does each serial number block begin at 0000 or at 0001?

And regardless of which is correct, has anyone seen one with such a number?

Neither. Each block begins with 1

Military Luger serial numbers will have no more than 4 digits but can have fewer.

Interesting. Anyone ever see a single-digit serial number?

And thanks.

The Gortz & Stugess 3 volume set of red books, page 624, has pictures of military Lugers number 1 and number 10000.

Somewhere on this forum, as well as the other Luger forum, you'll find pictures of Lugers with 2 and 3 digit serial numbers.

At one time at a gunshow in Wasilla,AK. I had in my hands a G date police that was serial number 10000, I don't remember the letter suffix, but the gun was cherry with 2 matching mags and an excellent brown holster.

Here's a pic of my 1942 byf with a 3-digit serial.

Thanks, a tidbit of info to file away for when it might be needed.

I've got a 3 digit navy and have had a 2 digit Erfurt artillery. Both have suffix letters. I've seen a couple single digit serials with and without suffix letters though no number 1's. I've never seen a 10000 but I have seen a 9999a and a 101b. Serials are really nothing special unless there is something special about them. I like 777 numbered guns but that is just a personal thing and not anything special.

Frank

How hard is it to actually find a 777 serial numbered P.08? I would think it to be a fairly difficult search.
-Bob

One per 10k block made, roughly, as dictated by the numbering system.

My 1926 dated SIMSON is numbered 777:

My 1937 S/42 #5y

No serial number
 

I've seen one with no serial number. It actually had no markings of any kind and was in the white. It was a DWM and presumed to be a lunch box special.