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L102A1 serial number survey

14K views 30 replies 13 participants last post by  scubatiger 
#1 · (Edited)
These pistols were ordered by the British Ministry of Defence, were made from 1988-1991, serial numbers ranged from 170 001 to 172 9xx, total production was less then 3,000 pieces and all were delivered to the British to fulfil the order. A records search at Walther Germany revealed 46 were returned to Germany and subsequently sold to "Earl's Repair Service" in USA. A small number were imported through "INTERARMS" however it is not known if they were part of the 46 or a separate shipment. Thus far all of the guns in private ownership have been in the 172,xxx range and no guns have been observed in the 15x,xxx serial number range that was reserved for the commercial "P5 Compact" marked guns.

The main features differentiating the British L102A1 guns:

1. phosphate finish instead of traditional blued for better resistance to elements
2. "L102A1" model markings instead of "P5 Compact" on left side of slide
3. NATO stock number 1005-99-978-4952 on right side of slide

If you have an L102A1 or know of one please contribute the serial number. If it has any unusual features, is a deactivated pistol, or has any extra marking such as UK Army unit of issue please note it. Also note country of purchase and USA importer if it's someone other then Earls. If we get lucky and get an ex or currently serving member of UK forces, please note which unit issued you the pistol.

Known pistols:

172,277 US Interarms
172,285 US Interarms
172,291 US Interarms
172,323 DE
172,616 UK deactivated
172,620 US
172,621 US
172,623 US
172,624 US
172,625 US
172,626 US
172,629 US
172,630 US
172,636 US
172,664 US
172,668 US
172,671 US
172,673 DE
172,780 US
172,788 US
172,793 US
172,803 US


I will modify this original post as we get numbers coming in. If you want to stay private, PM me your number, or if you are not a member email me at gmaxim (at) gmail com

And the obligatory photo of the model we are discussing. This is 172,793 the highest number in private ownership known so far, wearing a set of rare Walther Ulm manufactured* laminated wood grips.



Very early commercial P5 Compact models had solid wood, smooth or checkered grips. At a later time Walther made P5c wood grips from a stronger laminated material.

*as a side note, all P5 full size and compact wood grips currently sold by Earl's were made by Karl Nill and not Walther Ulm.
 
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#5 ·
Some of the very earliest P5C imported commercially into the USA had slides marked L102A1. They were commercially proofed at Ulm and otherwise indistinguishable from standard commercial P5c pistols of that era. As I recall, they all had serial numbers in the 150,000 or 151,000 range. They had all the early features, including the trigger stop on the back of the trigger, light alloy backstraps, and laminated grips.

I always assumed it was a production overrun of slides for the British contract, which Walther was too thrifty to discard.

M
 
#26 ·
(Update) Known pistols:

172,277 US Interarms
172,285 US Interarms
172,291 US Interarms
172,323 DE
172,616 UK deactivated
172,620 US
172,621 US
172,625 US
172,626 US
172,629 US
172,630 US
172,636 US
172,649 US
172,664 US
172,668 US
172,671 US
172,780 US
172,788 US
172,793 US
172,800 US
172,801 US
172,803 US
 
#28 ·
Not sure if anyone is still keeping up with this list anymore, but I just picked up a NIB L102A1 from a Gun dealer in Texas two weeks ago with box and all paperwork. It is number 172619 from Earls Repair Shop Import with date code of KB 1991. I really like the feel and look of the parkerized finish on the L102A1 model. It looks like I will have to sell one of my commerical NIB P5C to pay for it.
96400
 
#29 ·
I almost snagged that at the "min bid" price.
JArmory has their GB guns displayed in store, and for sale at the min bid price.
I was to the store a few minutes after the gun was put into the back because the 1st GB bid was placed.😟
Got to handle and inspect it while there, a really pristine example.👍
Great group of guys at JArmory, my quick stop-ins to see what's new usually last for over an hour.
Congratulations on the purchase.
 
#30 ·
Thanks, I was shocked to see it listed as a P5 and not L102A1 or compact for under $1,400, so I placed a bid on it quickly to lock in the auction. I was surprise on how pristine it was, so much better than the pictures. Been looking for one for sometime. They have a lot of nice guns there online and this particular one was a consignment from an estate collection and they sold a P5 before this one from same estate.
 
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