Letter suffix

[Atllaw]

Can anyone identify this suffix code?  Looks like an “a” to me.

[Maxim]

I would say it is an 'a'. 

[TSMGguy]

Have the same problem, in that I can't tell what the letter suffix is. Could be an f, could be an l. Fortunately it doesn't really matter as my form four lists the serial as simply 2979.

 

Edited December 28, 2023 by TSMGguy

[Maxim]

I would say it is an 'f'.  But is it worth trying to correct that on a Form 4?

[Atllaw]

Thanks. Very helpful.

[Rekraps]

the letters only go a throu l (that's an "L"). Each stands for a month of the year (a = january, b = february etc.) and is tied to the SN. So my bnz 41 is a 1159 "L" meaning it was the 1159th unit manufactured in December of 41. 

[tommyboy]

27 minutes ago, Rekraps said:

the letters only go a throu l (that's an "L"). Each stands for a month of the year (a = january, b = february etc.) and is tied to the SN. So my bnz 41 is a 1159 "L" meaning it was the 1159th unit manufactured in December of 41. 

The letter suffix does not correspond to the production month of the year. The Germans serial numbered firearms such as the MP40 and P38 using a numeric serial number (without a suffix) up to 9999. Then, the serial number would repeat starting at 0001 and count up to 9999 but with an added letter suffix “a”.  Once 9999a was reached, the numbering process was repeated with 0001b through 9999b and so forth. Each year of production has its own serial run so for example, you could have 1234b on a BNZ-41 and also on a BNZ-42 (or AYF-43 for that matter). 

[Rekraps]

1 hour ago, tommyboy said:

The letter suffix does not correspond to the production month of the year. The Germans serial numbered firearms such as the MP40 and P38 using a numeric serial number (without a suffix) up to 9999. Then, the serial number would repeat starting at 0001 and count up to 9999 but with an added letter suffix “a”.  Once 9999a was reached, the numbering process was repeated with 0001b through 9999b and so forth. Each year of production has its own serial run so for example, you could have 1234b on a BNZ-41 and also on a BNZ-42 (or AYF-43 for that matter). 

My research (as I recall) said different, however you may be 100% correct. Anyone out there with a letter past "L" on their gun? If so, then you my friend are the new "Suffix" King and I am demoted to that of a lonely juggler in the court!

[tommyboy]

I have one that’s marked AYF43 5057W

Here’s a picture of one off the internet with a “t” suffix.

Edited December 29, 2023 by tommyboy

[TSMGguy]

Right, serial numbers conformed to standard German practice. There were 9,999 gun blocks with sequential letter suffixes starting with a. 

[Rekraps]

On 12/28/2023 at 7:27 PM, Maxim said:

I would say it is an 'f'.  But is it worth trying to correct that on a Form 4?

Wait a minute, I missed this! My SN on form 4 is just four digits. You mean to tell me some of the Form 4's have the letter also?

[Rekraps]

On 12/29/2023 at 11:05 AM, tommyboy said:

I have one that’s marked AYF43 5057W

Here’s a picture of one off the internet with a “t” suffix.

Okay, I'm on the way to the basement to kill myself. I stand corrected, Sir!

[Maxim]

Just to add fuel to the fire, early MP40 (from parts kit) marked MP38 style.

Five digits on side of lower, matching bolt has four digits with letter 'b'.

[Rekraps]

I can't respond, I'm in time-out for being incorrect. Ouch.

[Uncle Dudley]

Pre WWII German alphabet.  After WWII the 26 letter English alphabet was used.