The suffix is quite simply, part of the serial number. The numbers were used in blocks running from 1 to 10000 and then repeated. So the second block is 1-a to 10000-a, the third 1-b to 10000-b and so on. The chamber date must also be included as in time the letters are also repeated. So the complete serial number of your Luger is 1916-XXXX-b.
Make it a point when buying or selling a military Luger to have the complete serial number on the paper work. You don't want to buy 1916-1234-b and then get into hot water over 1917-1234-c being stolen or used in a stickup just because somebody thinks the serial number is just 1234 and they are both the same pistol.
|