I agree with Neil that these 5-digit 1921 DWMs were an attempt in that year to circumvent the IMKK's order to cease production of 9-mm military/police P08s. I believe DWM added a leading "8" to the serial numbers of 9-mm P08s to "commercialize" them. The 8xxxx range is consistent with a continuation of the pre-WWI commercial serial numbers. In many cases, the placement of the serial number is skewed to the left by the addition of this digit suggesting the 8s were added to previously stamped 4-digit serial numbers, including some with letter suffixes. This appears to be the case in the photo of the barrel serial number. Is it also the case for the serial number on the front of the frame?
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