[FNorm]

All that helps a lot: A 1940 Banner Serial number 896 x. The letter is part of the serial lumber too
They started a run unlettered, or ns 1-9999. then the next group would 1a-9999a, etc.

Quoting from Still's "Third Rich Lugers"

"The x suffix range is predominately C/U or E/N proofed. ( That's Crown U or Eagle N ) , E/C or E/L (or police models)

Of special interest are the E /N proofed 1940 dated E/655, E/655 Army accepted Banner. They are found in the 770x-1700x serial range and are interspersed with the 1940 date E/C marked German Police Lugers"

Interpreting: You have an Army Luger made the same time a lot of police lugers were being done. Estimated production 500.

Others here may be able to tell you more.

FN