A sideplate question

John Sabato · 10-27-2014, 01:06 PM

Mauser sideplate interior numbers "typically" are a one digit increment over the two numbers that make up the first two digits of the serial number.

For example, the number of the pistol you mention is

8229f

I would expect to find the last two digits "29" on the outside of the sideplate, and the number I would expect to find on the inside of the sideplate would be "83" as that is one number increment over the first two digits of the serial number.

I have never seen an explanation as to WHY the sideplates were numbered in this manner, but have seen dozens, if not hundreds of examples of Mauser manufactured sideplates that were numbered this way.

I would welcome theories and speculation on the "WHY"...

I would further speculate, that in your case, your sideplate originally came from a Mauser pistol whose serial number was only three digits..."129".

10-27-2014, 01:06 PM	#4
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,156 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,309 Times in 1,098 Posts	Mauser sideplate interior numbers "typically" are a one digit increment over the two numbers that make up the first two digits of the serial number. For example, the number of the pistol you mention is 8229f I would expect to find the last two digits "29" on the outside of the sideplate, and the number I would expect to find on the inside of the sideplate would be "83" as that is one number increment over the first two digits of the serial number. I have never seen an explanation as to WHY the sideplates were numbered in this manner, but have seen dozens, if not hundreds of examples of Mauser manufactured sideplates that were numbered this way. I would welcome theories and speculation on the "WHY"... I would further speculate, that in your case, your sideplate originally came from a Mauser pistol whose serial number was only three digits..."129". __________________ 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..."*