Mr. van Vlimmeren,
Had to break for lunch, so please pardon the interruption. I don't recall having seen anyone wearing Bundeswehr gray prior to 1956, but as you say, it was obvious that a great deal of planning went into Germany's rearmament. The impetus for this closely following the currency reform of 1949 would be entirely logical. From what I recall, the only US weapon enthusiastically received was the M-1 carbine.
The unusually high number of seemingly unissued late-war P.38's available at American gun shows from the late 1950's, onward is an indication that on 8 May, there were still large numbers of these that went unissued and remained in depots. Could there have been stocks of Lugers, as well? Perhaps someone on the forum has direct knowledge of the numbers involved. Thanks again!
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JRW
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