S 42 question

03-01-2001, 03:32 PM

Thought everyone knew this. Beginning in mid-'37, along with the other changes, Mauser began to place a small, two-digit number on the inside of the sideplate, that when combined with the outside number; give the serial. THIS IS NOT A HARD AND FAST RULE! I have seen pistols I knew to be original, that were un-marked on the inside of the sideplate. In general, they are marked several ways. The most common is the first two digits of the guns' serial; plus one. OR; actual two numbers. OR; actual two numbers in reverse order. For a three-digit serial; actual number. As an example, 1939, 42, serial 5324, has 24 on the outside of the sideplate, and 54 on the inside. It could also be 53, or 35 on the inside. Pistol S/42, 1938, serial 8297, has 97 outside, and 82 inside. There is no rhyme or reason to the method employed; if at all. That is; certain letter blocks were done one way, or certain years / codes done another way. Enjoy!

03-01-2001, 03:32 PM	#5
Joe DeLong Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Why don't you answer in forum... Thought everyone knew this. Beginning in mid-'37, along with the other changes, Mauser began to place a small, two-digit number on the inside of the sideplate, that when combined with the outside number; give the serial. THIS IS NOT A HARD AND FAST RULE! I have seen pistols I knew to be original, that were un-marked on the inside of the sideplate. In general, they are marked several ways. The most common is the first two digits of the guns' serial; plus one. OR; actual two numbers. OR; actual two numbers in reverse order. For a three-digit serial; actual number. As an example, 1939, 42, serial 5324, has 24 on the outside of the sideplate, and 54 on the inside. It could also be 53, or 35 on the inside. Pistol S/42, 1938, serial 8297, has 97 outside, and 82 inside. There is no rhyme or reason to the method employed; if at all. That is; certain letter blocks were done one way, or certain years / codes done another way. Enjoy!