Proof marks master list

[searcher451]

This has been posted before, but it's a good reminder for folks who are interested in identifying the various proof marks they might run into, especially on some of the vintage firearms that are on the market these days:

https://store.bluebookinc.com/Info/P...Proofmarks.pdf

Enjoy.

[REDFISH]

Thanks searcher451 ,


This should be a sticky.

[searcher451]

Good idea, Redfish. Consider it done.

[blackcat_attilio]

Originally Posted by searcher451

This has been posted before, but it's a good reminder for folks who are interested in identifying the various proof marks they might run into, especially on some of the vintage firearms that are on the market these days:

https://store.bluebookinc.com/Info/P...Proofmarks.pdf

Enjoy.

Hi! Many thanks for this file; interesting, very interesting. Good idea.

[maineiac]

Wish mine was there. My P38 appears to have an Eagle but with the wings held out horizontally, not tipping down like some of the proofs. Mine isn't among those listed. Wonder why?

[searcher451]

A fine question. Is it an Eagle/N proof? Post a photo or two, if you would (or have the capability); perhaps we can determine what it is, exactly.

[maineiac]

Thanks for being willing to help. Boy, the thing is small. Not sure I can take a picture of it that would be especially helpful. On either side of it, are three horizontal lines with a V in the middle, with the number below- 359. There does not appear to be an "N" below the bird, which looks like an eagle with spread wings. It sort of looks something like a ball shape below the eagle. And, I'm looking at this thing with a strong magnifying glass and I still can't tell what the heck it is! The serial numbers are 9748 g. Next to P.38 is an ac with 42 below it.

[searcher451]

My friend, you have a Nazi pistol, made during the war at the Walther plant (thus the ac code). The proof you are looking at is the Nazi swastika, with two german Army acceptance stamps, one on either side. All of this would be on the right side of the slide.

You'd be well-served to check in at the P.38 Forum, where the folks who wrote the book on the subject hang out. Speaking of books, Dieter Marschall's "Walther Pistols Models 1 Through P99" does a nice job of detailing the various proof marks on the P.38 pistols of this era. You can get it for under $20 online from Ucross Books in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Every Walther fan should have one.

[searcher451]

Main: According to the production code charts, your pistol was made in August of 1942. Check out the Sticky notices on the P.38 Forum regarding the production codes for the various P.38s made by Walther, Mauser, and Spreewerk, as well as the Waffenamt (Weapons Office) stamps; it'll give you a good understanding of what you have.

[maineiac]

THANK YOU! I appreciate your help and will definitely take your advice and check out the P38 forum! I wondered if this was a Nazi gun. I have the original holster too. Thanks again!