[jacobtowne]

A local dealer has a Unique, .32, 9-shot, with external hammer and serrated palm swell. Is this the Kriegsmodell?
The sides of the magazine tube are folded under the base plate. Is this correct?
The SN is 10921x on the frame. I found no external SN on the slide or barrel. Are these parts numbered internally?
There are no ordnance or property stamps, and the grips are marked RF. On the right frame behind the grips and high is a l with no serifs, with a small u above.
It's fairly roughly made, with about 98% blue. Slide left is caliber, capacity, Unique, and MAP (spelled out), Hendaye.
Any help appreciated.
JT

 

[Lloyd in Vegas]

JT,

Sort of sounds like you have a Kriegsmodell (Unique) but it is outside the serial range. Kreigsmodell serial range was approx. 58,000 to 76,000. Also, on the Kriegsmodell there would be a German army acceptance (waffenamt) E/WaA251 or WaAd20 on the right rear frame. The slide legend you describe on the left side slide flat sounds correct. The internal parts, as I recall, use a two or three digit assembly number. Maybe if this is a 6 digit serial number it was a post war put together after German occupation. Some others I am sure will be able to provide more information.

 

[jacobtowne]

Lloyd:
Thank you. The SN is six digits, so I'm sure you're right about post war. I'll return to the shop and see whether the owner of the pistol (it's consigned) will allow me to field strip it.
JT

 

[Dgiz]

JT,
The pistol you are describing is the French Unique R51 made by MAPF. The high serial number, RF grips, 9 round mag and lack of Waffenamt are correct for this postwar arm. Otherwise...looks just like the Krieg. Often, the serial number will be located in a millied out area where the old serial number was located. Many display an odd symbol on the right rear side. I don't think anybody knows for sure what it is, although, it is thought to be a forgein ownership stamp.
Hope this helps...Dean

 

[jacobtowne]

It does help. Thanks Dean. I was thinking of buying it, but since it's post-war...Well, one never knows when the bug will strike.
JT