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P38 magazine markings . . . .

JimF

Senior Member
Gentlemen . . . .

I have two magazines for the P 38 . . . .both of wartime mfg.

One is marked on the lower-left side, “P. 38v” with “U” immediately below.

The back is marked “E/WaA 135”

The other magazine is marked on the lower-left side “P38” (note NO period after the “P”)

It’s back is marked “E/WaA 706 (or maybe 708)” over “jvd”

Can anyone tell me the significance of these markings?

Thanx-a-bunch!
 
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The 135 mag is a '44-'45 Mauser made one, as mentioned. The U references the lack of hardening of the top, if I recall correctly. Would have likely been on an byf44 or svw45 pistol.

The 706 is a ENM-made mag used often in '44 era cyq (Spreewerk) and some byf (Mauser) pistols. Erst Nordboehmische Metallwaren Fabrik (my spelling errors) made mags for issue to any P38, but as most ac, byf or svw weapons already had in-house sources, and ENM's factory was closest, they are most often associated with cyq pistols or unit armorer supplies.

Neither should be serial numbered, by that time in the game.
 
I’m thanking you, gents . . . .

This information meshes perfectly with my byf/44 P-38!

I also have a third magazine marked ONLY “jvd”

NONE of them are serial numbered.
 
Walther was the only manufacturer that serialized mags and they stopped in late 1942 (as I remember). Take a look at the P.38 Forum for more info. Great guys there too.

G2
 
jvd was the factory code for ENM, the maker of spare mags for the P38 I mentioned in post #3. I second G2's comments too- they have a great pile of references over there.
 

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