[Scott Thompson]

I have had this P-38 cyq for a few years, and have not yet run across anything explaining the * between the serial number 1482n and the E/88 near the trigger. Import mark?

The star appears to have eight tips with nothing in the center... It also appears on the barrel next to both a capital and small B. The other side of the barrel is marked with the normal cyq with E/88.

Any information on the * or b's would be appreciated.

Also, if anyone has suggestions on a good, in-depth, p-38 only resource book (similar to Jan Stills Luger Books) that is still in print? I have a couple smaller paperbacks and other books partially covering p-38's that dont give quite enough info.

Thanks! Scott
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[Mark]

Scott,

The ubiquitous asterisk mark is not an import marking and is more common on Spreewerk manufactured pistols, although it appears on many types of WWII German guns. It is believed, in collector circles, to represent a rejection mark and when the part was brought back into tolerance, it was used in a gun.

I have a late Spreewerk gun with no less than three asterisks on the barrel, so it was rejected 3 times before it was usable.

Here is an early asterisk from a 2nd variation 0 series Walter.

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Warren Buxton has written 3 volumes on P38s and his publication is considered very accurate and complete even though it is several years old.

Good luck,

Mark

 

[Scott Thompson]

Mark,
Thanks for the gentle answer on the "dumb" p-38 question... I only have two p-38's and my father-in-law has several, none of the others had the rejection markings - but none of the other were Spreewerke. The rejection marks sound similar to the RC marks on the Erfurt Luger.

I have seen, and come close to purchasing, the Warren Buxton books on the internet... I will look into those for better P-38 reference.

Again I appreciate the info!

Scott

 

[Mark]

Scott,

There is no such thing as a dumb question as far as I am concerned, asking questions is the only way we learn!

Also, the Buxton books are a bit more technical than others. I would recommend getting volume one on the Walter pistols first, it has a lot of information about the early develpoment of the P38.

Volume two is on Mauser and Spreewerk and volume three has some additional information plus info on post war reworks.

Take care,

Mark

 

[Scott Thompson]

Mark,

Volume 1 sounds like it would fit the bill to begin with

Thanks again,
Scott

 

[Jan]

I am very interested for hide out frame number under the left grip plate. I need it for my research. Asterisk means repairable reject. Former forced labor workers confirmed it.

 

[Scott Thompson]

Jan,

Probably another obvious question - the hide out frame number - what does that represent?

It's #604. Hope it helps-
Scott

 

[Jan]

Frame was in factory "closely watched part". Another parts quantity was not so strictly controlled. It is verified.

The following is my speculation: The verisimilar meaninig of hide out frame number is factory internal SN based on production batches. It is probably the reason the hide out frame numbers range is often repeated.

 

[phosphateb]

this star is also seen on bayonets with one example from 1942