Piet, is your pistol "LP" marked on the rear grip strap?

Norm,
I wouldn't say it is a Smuts number, because the same register still applies in South Africa.
General Smuts was the man who commanded the Boers to make war against the Germans in South West Africa on behalf of England. This order marked the beginning of a Rebellion in South Africa because people where divided about loyalty towards the Queen. They just came out of a war against England where many lost their lives and women and children were killed in the so called concentration camps.
My history knowledge is a bit rusty so I hope I got this right!

Yes Landes Polizei (LP)

Hi Piet,
My history knowledge is not what it used to be either but I recall that General Smuts was the man who captured Winston Churchill at gun point during the Boer War. They became friends later on in life. Smuts was the man who introduced registration numbers on guns and I have heard these numbers referred to as Smuts numbers by English auction houses.
Norm

Norm,
I think you could be right. I will do some reading!
Thanks for your valuable contributions!

Short history of Genl Jan Smuts
See :https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/...ristiaan-smuts