If "First Issue" pistols are numbered in the commercial fashion, would it not be logical that the mags follow commercial convention too? That is to say, perhaps one ought not expect to see a serial number on them.
If George says they are numbered, that's good enough for me. I also got a private message from another gentleman that I greatly respect that states he also has a First Issue with matching magazine.
Ron
Gortz & Sturgess, red books, page 1288 clearly states that first issue military Lugers were to be provided with magazines that had the full serial number and suffix letter, if applicable, stamped on the base. The numbers were 3.8mm high. That was IAW the official Army instructions. However, DWM did not include the suffix letter through d and only began adding the suffix letter in 1911 beginning with e. Some first contract magazines have been found with a capital letter F that is not a suffix letter and it's significance is unknown. The earliest magazine numbers are stamped front to back but that changed in 1912 when numbers 2.5mm high were stamped side to side. There is more information in G&S for those who have the books.
For a while I owned first issue sn 276, complete rig with two matching magazines. Both numbered lengthwise.You can see them in Sturgess red edition p.1288.
I guess my question has been well and truly answered. Thank you all.
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