matching #'s on sideplate

Tom M · 10-24-2008, 03:36 PM

I have a "numbers matching" 1939 S/42. However, on the inside of the sideplate, a number is stamped that is different from the number on the outside. The wear on the sideplate is equal to the wear on the rest of the pistol. Has anyone seen this before, or is my sideplate a forgery? The fonts appear to be correct. I really don't care since I didn't pay all that much for the gun, but I'd like to know.

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

alanint · 10-24-2008, 03:49 PM

Is the number on the outside of the sideplate the same as the rest of the gun's?.
I know there are assembly numbers on the inside of the plates that are not the same as the pistol's serial/assembly numbers.

As long as the outside number matches and does not appear to be forced I think you are ok.

Tom M · 10-24-2008, 03:57 PM

Thanks very much for the reply. The outside number is the same as the rest of the numbers on the gun. The inside stamping is a much smaller font, but is a 2 digit number. I didn't know if they used assembly numbers like that.

George Anderson · 10-24-2008, 04:42 PM

Are the two digits on the back of the plate close in sequence to the first two digits in your pistol's four digit serial number?

John Sabato · 10-24-2008, 04:52 PM

It is common that the two digits on the inside of Mauser made Luger sideplates are one digit different from the first two digits of the gun's serial number... I don't know anyone who knows the story behind that numbering ...

Tom M · 10-24-2008, 05:03 PM

My gun's serial number is 9225, with a letter. The number on the outside of the sideplate is 25, and the inside number is 93, as Mr. Sabato stated. I'm feeling pretty confident that I got a deal on this gun. All matching numbers, including one mag, and a brown Frost & Jahnel holster dated 1940 for $750. I'm not very good at percentage grading, but I'll say 80% conservatively.

Lugerdoc · 10-25-2008, 07:26 AM

Tom, Sounds right to me. TH

10-24-2008, 03:36 PM	#1
Tom M User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 37 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	matching #'s on sideplate I have a "numbers matching" 1939 S/42. However, on the inside of the sideplate, a number is stamped that is different from the number on the outside. The wear on the sideplate is equal to the wear on the rest of the pistol. Has anyone seen this before, or is my sideplate a forgery? The fonts appear to be correct. I really don't care since I didn't pay all that much for the gun, but I'd like to know. Thanks for any insight you can provide. __________________ Tom

10-24-2008, 03:57 PM	#3
Tom M User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 37 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks very much for the reply. The outside number is the same as the rest of the numbers on the gun. The inside stamping is a much smaller font, but is a 2 digit number. I didn't know if they used assembly numbers like that. __________________ Tom

10-24-2008, 04:52 PM	#5
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,155 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	It is common that the two digits on the inside of Mauser made Luger sideplates are one digit different from the first two digits of the gun's serial number... I don't know anyone who knows the story behind that numbering ... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

10-24-2008, 05:03 PM	#6
Tom M User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 37 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My gun's serial number is 9225, with a letter. The number on the outside of the sideplate is 25, and the inside number is 93, as Mr. Sabato stated. I'm feeling pretty confident that I got a deal on this gun. All matching numbers, including one mag, and a brown Frost & Jahnel holster dated 1940 for $750. I'm not very good at percentage grading, but I'll say 80% conservatively. __________________ Tom

10-25-2008, 07:26 AM	#7
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 737 Times in 484 Posts	Tom, Sounds right to me. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

10-24-2008, 03:49 PM	#2
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,917 Times in 1,193 Posts	Is the number on the outside of the sideplate the same as the rest of the gun's?. I know there are assembly numbers on the inside of the plates that are not the same as the pistol's serial/assembly numbers. As long as the outside number matches and does not appear to be forced I think you are ok.

10-24-2008, 04:42 PM	#4
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,531 Times in 788 Posts	Are the two digits on the back of the plate close in sequence to the first two digits in your pistol's four digit serial number?

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