svw 45 question

[FW 200]

I have a P-38 svw 45 question. Mine is sn. 198x f, with no French proofs at all. Does anyone know what number range the French took over production? Thanks.

[James Purnell]

I believe French controlled production starts in the G block. Some pre G block guns do turn up with French firing proofs and were probably in the Oberndorf facility awaiting repair, final fitting, etc when the French took over. The French finished these and issued them.

Jim

[leondes]

Hi FW 200,

I agree with James. The German Mauser P.38 production ended about 3000f. The French started their production with the "g" block. There are some "fliers" but I believe that is basically what happened.

Regards, Leon

[FW 200]

Thanks! By the way, do either of you know when the French ended German production? I'm trying to date the mfg. of this pistol.

[leondes]

Hi FW 200,

Your pistol would have been one of the last made and was probably made in April, 1945. We really don't know, for sure, what was happening from February 22 when the plant was bombed until the plant was captured on April 20.

If it doesn't have all 3 stamps on the right side of the slide, it's very possible that your pistol was in the plant when it was captured.

Regards, Leon