HZa marked

I have just acquired a rare P38 with the slide marked eagle over HZajc3 (or something close to that) I understand that there are a few Lugers with the HZa marking, does anyone know what it means?

Marc, On lugers this indicates an arms depot replacement part. Perhaps ORV can clarify re P38s. Tom h

On other Third Reich small arms the HZa marking means Depot level rework and or replacement. I would think P.38's are no different. This mark, to my knowledge is fairly rare on P.38s, I would guess that most parts replacement occured at some level below the Depot (ie the unit). Depot level work is usually reserved for a major overhaul or repair. Check to determine if the pistol shows signs of a period (German) re-blue (like pitting, dings or wear UNDER the existing blue). By the way, the abbrev. is for Heers Zeug Ampt and the number of the Depot.

Thanks guys! I had a feeling it was something like that, the barrel and locking block look newer than the rest of the gun and are missing the "a" block designator in the serial number.

[Orv Reichert]

but I did not have a clue what it meant?


Orv

[JuergenG]

Heereszeugamt