Radom Vis 35 Serial Number Years
Radom Vis 35 Serial Number Years
The Radom Vis 35, also known as the Pistolet wz. 35 Vis, was a Polish semi-automatic pistol designed in the 1930s and used by the Polish Army and the German Army during World War II. The pistol was based on the Colt 1911 and the Browning Hi-Power, but had some distinctive features such as a trapezoid-shaped grip and a barrel camming system. The pistol was highly regarded for its quality, accuracy and reliability. [1]
radom vis 35 serial number years
The Radom Vis 35 was produced from 1935 to 1945 at the Fabryka Broni (Arms Factory) in Radom, Poland. The production was divided into several phases, each with different markings and features. The serial numbers of the pistols can help identify the year and type of production. [2]
Pre-war Polish production
The first phase of production was from 1935 to 1939, before the German invasion of Poland. These pistols were marked with the Polish national eagle emblem on the left side of the slide, and the letters "F.B. RADOM" and "VIS-wz. 35" on the right side of the slide. The serial number was stamped on the right side of the frame, below the slide stop. The serial numbers ranged from 00001 to about 45000, with some gaps and irregularities. The pistols had three levers (hammer drop, takedown and slide stop) and a slot for a shoulder stock on the back of the grip. The grips were made of brown checkered plastic, with "FB" on the left panel and "VIS" on the right panel. These pistols are also known as "Polish Eagle" models, and are highly sought after by collectors. [2] [3]
German occupation production
The second phase of production was from 1939 to 1945, during the German occupation of Poland. These pistols were marked with German waffenamt (military inspection) stamps on various parts, and sometimes with Nazi eagles or swastikas. The Polish eagle emblem was removed or defaced from the slide, and sometimes replaced with a German eagle over "WaA77". The serial number was moved to the left side of the frame, below the safety lever. The serial numbers started from A0000 and went up to G9999, then restarted from H0000 to H9999, then restarted from K0000 to K9999, then restarted from P0000 to P9999. The pistols had different variations depending on the year and factory of production. These pistols are also known as "P.35 (p)" models, which stands for "Pistole 35 (polnisch)" or "Pistol 35 (Polish)". [2] [3]
Type I
The Type I pistols were produced from 1939 to 1941, mainly at Radom but also at Steyr in Austria. These pistols had three levers and a stock slot, like the pre-war models, but had different markings and serial numbers. The serial numbers ranged from A0000 to E9999, with some gaps and overlaps. The grips were made of black checkered plastic, with no markings or logos. These pistols are also known as "Grade II" models, and are relatively common among collectors. [2] [3]
Type II
The Type II pistols were produced from 1941 to 1943, mainly at Radom but also at Steyr in Austria. These pistols had three levers but no stock slot, as it was deemed unnecessary by the Germans. The serial numbers ranged from F0000 to G9999, then restarted from H0000 to H9999, with some gaps and overlaps. The grips were made of black checkered plastic, with no markings or logos. These pistols are also known as "Grade III" models, and are less common than Type I models. [2] [3]
Type III
The Type III pistols were produced from 1943 to 1945, mainly at Steyr in Austria but also at Radom in Poland. These pistols had only two levers (takedown and hammer drop) and no stock slot, as a result of simplifying the design and saving materials. The serial numbers ranged from K0000 to K9999, then restarted from P0000 to P9999, with some gaps and overlaps. The grips were made of black checkered plastic, with no markings or logos. These pistols are also known as "Grade IV" models, and are the rarest and most valuable among collectors. [2] [3]
Conclusion
The Radom Vis 35 was one of the best pistols of World War II, and a source of pride for the Polish people. The serial numbers of the pistols can help determine the year and type of production, as well as the history and value of the pistols. The Radom Vis 35 is a fascinating piece of military history and a desirable collectible firearm. [1] [2] [3]
References:
[1] FB Vis - Wikipedia
[2] This Old Gun: Polish Vis 35 Radom Pistol - American Rifleman
[3] Radom Vis 35 Serial Number Search - bestbfile