Canted serial #'s
 

I noticed that alot of serial #'s don't seem to line up exactly, as I would assume that a factory stamped pistol should. Is this correct? Were some #'s hand stamped?

If they don't line up well or are askew in some way it is cause for concern. The cases where that shows up usually have other indications of tampering with the numbers or crucial areas of the gun. Others will give good warnings of how to be on guard. It takes a sharp eye and much experience to make the judgment call. I am not that savvy. But frequently iI can smell a rat.
Jack

Commercial Lugers which entered police or military service had their serial numbers stamped on the left receiver. This was usually done on an ad hoc basis by armories or local armorers and are frequently uneven and messy.

--Dwight