View Single Post
Unread 12-07-2001, 10:36 AM   #4
The Shadow Knows
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default GI Modification

Typical of what the GI's did to these guns after the war.


First, you people have to remember that a gun marked P08 or P38 was REICH PROPERTY...It was a court marshal offense to personalize them. [like putting any name/numbers/unit/SS/ or any other crap on them] And, therefore, you have to take a look at any K98-P08-P38 or other issue gun with such B___S___ on them for what they are...... Seller enhancements


They [GIs] got badges/medals/eagles/etc and [usually] punched holes into the holster flap and installed it...after scratching their name in the flap with a knife. others had them put into the grip panels.


The Letter followed by 4 numbers you often see scratched on the holster flap was the GI's LAUNDRY MARK....as 'S2232' would be the first letter of his last name plus the last 4 digits of his serial number.


For a pack of Camels, the German civilians would plate these guns, too. [you had to supply a piece of silver for the plating] Many were not even taken apart..just the 3 major parts were stripped and plated.. [No, Virginia, they are not Hitler presentation guns and there really is a Santa Claus!]


The Civilians were not supposed to possess guns but no one cared if they were doing something...like engraving-plating-making grips+shoulder holsters for a GI.