Here, we see the proper contents of a Model 2X Maintenace Kit for all types of PA-1935 pistols:
According to the provisional notice/manual, using the tools contained herein, you can completely disassemble your pistol down to the smallest part. It even gives you step by step instructions for doing so. However, it also states that "COMPLETE DISASSEMBLY OPERATIONS ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN AT THE UNIT LEVEL". By the time the 1st edition manual came out in 1951, it seems that they didn't want this information floating around anymore and they only tell you how to field strip the pistol. I can only guess how many Moe Rons screwed up their pistol by taking things a part they probably shouldn't have. And so, while you very well may be able to completely disassemble your pistol with this kit, I'm one of those Moe Ron's so I'm not going to be doing that!
We looked at this picture earlier but I want to discuss it a bit more:
What we are looking at here is referred to in the manuals as the "bottom of the case". While that is true, it is more accurate to say that we are also looking at it the bottom of the cute little oiler that forms the cap for the case. We'll talk a bit more about the oiler shortly. What I want to draw you attentions to here are the three that are marked "P.A. 1935". Notice that all three are marked slightly differently and all three use a different font. As I said earlier, it's clear that more than one company was most likely manufacturing these. At a minimum, more than one company was marking them. Notice too, that four of the five have either inspection or manufacturer stamps on them. This is common on these kits from their first appearance as the Model 1874 kit in.......you guessed it, 1874! It was originally designed for the Model 1873 revolver. The case was the same as we see here but the tools included inside were different. This little gem was apparently quite a hit with the troops and, in short order, it was adapted to all manner of pistols and rifles until finally being abandoned in the late 1950's or early 60's. In every instance, the case was the same, only the tools inside changed to suit the firearm it was intended for. To my knowledge, it's use for the PA 35 is the only instance where the case was marked at the factory for the firearm it was intended for. Sometimes an 1874 kit was numbered to the rifle or pistol it was issued with, sometimes not.
These five kits have all kinds of different markings, so many that I'm not going to bother showing each little mark because it would be too confusing. But I do want to show both ends of each case.
1st case:
Bottom of oiler unmarked save for the hallmark:
Slotted end unmarked:
The slot accepts the screwdriver blade. We'll talk about that later.
2nd case:
Bottom of oiler completely unmarked:
On every case I have seen other than this one, the bottom of the oiler is flat. This one is slightly rounded. I have no idea why.
Slotted end unmarked:
3rd case:
Bottom of oiler marked:
Slotted end marked with several hallmarks:
4th case:
Bottom of oiler marked:
Notice that the stamp is interrupted by the hallmarks. Did the hallmarks come first or did the PA 1935 marking? Did the same company stamp both the hallmarks and the designation marking? Did the straight line marking eventually change to the curved type shown above because of the conflicting stamps? Were previously used 1874 cases repurposed for use with the PA 35? I don't know, do you? Will we ever know? Probably not. I do have some thoughts though and I'll present them later.
Slotted end marked with a "G":
5th case:
Bottom of oiler marked:
Again, we see the hallmark interfering with the designation stamp.
Slotted end marked with several small capital "P"'s :
We continue with the kits in the next post.