Hi John,
The 45 dated chambers puzzle me as both a collector and someone who has dealt with weapons system acquisition in the military.
Based on what we know about the Kreighoff order fulfillment process (Guns assembled from pre-made components as ordered by OKL), it would seem that for Kreigs to have 1945 chamber dates, their would have had to have been a Luftwaffe order -possibly issued in '44-that was being filled. T
This 1944 scenario doesn't work, however, given the small number of 45 dates known; likewise, a later order doesn't work. because of the virtual dissolution of the German military in early 1945. So perhaps the following question needs to be addressed: what part of the Luftwaffe, in early spring 1945, was sufficiently intact to need and order pistols?
I will do some order of battle research and post findings.
Tom A
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