Over on the P-38 forum is a thread on a P-38 with a serial number of 10000 plus a suffix letter. The thread is "Interesting CYQ" and is, I believe, the same P-38 mentioned in the link provided in the first message of this thread.
I posted on the P-38 forum that I'm unaware of any Imperial era Lugers in the military series of serial numbers that goes to 10000. Then I mentioned the Mauser Luger with serial number 10000g and the thought that both Lugers and P-38 pistols would have been numbered according to military directives. I'm not aware of any such directive. That is not, of course, proof of anything except that we don't have written proof of serial numbers going to 10000.
Looking closely at the pictures of the P-38 with serial number 10000 f, I'm struck by the quality of the finish and smoothness of the machining. CYQ P-38's are noted for their extremely rough machining and this one doesn't display that quality. Also, the final "0" in the slide serial number is off-set, suggesting it was stamped by hand. Finally, the frame serial number just doesn't look "right" as the final "0" is larger than the ones that preceed it.
As for the "K" date Luger, I'm not up to par on Mauser production but, IIRC, Mauser picked up production where BKIW/DWM left off and that wasn't at serial number 1 without a suffix. As no suffix letter is mentioned by the owner, I have to assume that he's suggesting that Mauser began Luger production in the "K" date series at 1 without a suffix letter. I don't have my reference books handy at the moment so I'll have to check that when I get home.
Perhaps MauserLuger can shed some light on the serial range of "K" date Lugers.
At the moment, I'm not convinced that either is correct. But, I'm not closed minded on the issue and I'd like to hear what others think.
|