Calling PPK experts

[Von Hoth]

Since becoming the proud owner of an RZM ppk for the first time, i've been doing alot of internet research, (probably not the best kind but the axis pistol books are expensive as hell)

anyways, for the first time, today I came across someone saying that an RZM ppk must have the last 3 digits of the frame number scratched on the inside of the slide. I thought it would be bull**** until I took mine apart and sure enough the last 3 digits of my frame number were scratched under there.

I have never read this before, is this common knowledge?

Is this number always on the inside of ppk slides and the guy was just mentioning this to make sure you get a matching rzm slide with frame?
I have read elsewhere that PPK numbers are ONLY marked on the frame so generally speaking, a ppk with 2 different placings of its serial number is rare, correct?

or is this slide marking only with rzm's?

I am aware of the rare SS ppk's which were marked with a rare serial number engraving below the barrel exit.

thanks for any help.

[JoeW]

Yes it is common knowledge among collectors. Books are expensive but they are better than internet opinions. The books by Still, Whittington or Rankin are not expensive if you intend to pursue collecting Axis pistols or Walthers in particular. You are talking about a significant investment and to not arm yourself with facts and research is not a wise move. Or you can purchase the paperback book on Walther pistols by noted Walther expert Dieter Marschall. The books are available in the USA in English. Not just for the RZMs, but the last digits of the serial number were scribbed into the inside of the slide opposite the ejection port. In the 200 000 range, the serial number was marked on the slide.

[Von Hoth]

If this was etched on all the slides, then so the person stating on the forum which was all about an rzm and said it must be there...........

his intention was to verify that the slide was issued with the frame/gun only I guess.

well thanks for the book choices. I will be getting them soon.

regards.