Fn 1922 Pistol Serial Numbers A Prefix
Thanks a lot for the response. I meant to say Model 1922, I just think of them sometimes as 10/22's in my own way ha. I actually spent a great deal of time researching this and here's what I found out, for your learning enjoyment.
In 1943 when the model 1922 was starting to be produced for more than just the Luftwaffe and other specialist units, Germany decided to restart the numbering system. The first 99,999 model 1922s produced had a simple 5 digit serial number accordingly. As they hit number 100,000 however, they restarted the serial numbering system again, adding an 'A' suffix, and did so again with 'B' after pistol 99999a, etc. So, based on this info, my particular pistol was the 113,523rd one produced. Furthermore, in 1944, they switched the stamping to only the final 4 digits being stamped on the slide instead of all 5.
So using those two pieces of information, most (matching) Model 1922's should be able to be adequately dated, in my case to 1943.
Hope it was enlightening. I enjoyed researching it.
KerryL,
Good question. It is difficult on these pistols with few or no markings but the big indicator for me is the [A] on the trigger guard and the 17-serration count. Both of these together, even without the bevel on the lug, indicated 1930-1940 manufacturing. I usually key on the trigger guard letter/numbers/icons for date of manufacture clues if the serial number isn't a good indicator.
The lack of a serif or the inclusion of a dash is something I've seen before. Remember FN had three pieces of equipment applying the slide scrolls at times and they were rarely set identically.
And I agree the refinish is awhile ago which certainly has dropped the value deep below $300 down to that $150 - $200 range. Sorry about that, mrdarkhorse.
Check out page 85 on Anthony Vanderlinden's latest FN book.
And mrdarkhorse thanks for the extra pictures. I appreciate the serial number on the slide. While there is little information on who this pistol was built for it certainly seems to me a contract pistol as his has its own serial range for the period based on the details. Of course this is just my opinion.
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Dan