PP and PPK's carried this proof mark after April 1, 1940. In April of 1940 the Germans replaced the crown over N proof mark wiht the eagle over 'N'. 'N' indicates that the gun has been proofed with 'nitro' or smokeless powder. The German GI usually referred to this ever present mark as the 'Pleitegeir' which means the 'Bankrupt Vulture.'Ĭrown over N is a German pre-war proof mark used before April 1, 1940. The Waffenamt mark indicates that the gun has been accepted by the government inspector at the plant. Still others will be found with Army acceptance marks in the form of an eagle, Swastika, and Waffenamt numbers.
In addition to the serial number and proof marks, Model PP and PPK will often be found with Nazi party abbreviations and insignia. Some of these are merely factory serial numbers and proof marks indicating that the gun has functioned safely when fired with high pressure cartridges. Model PP and PPK pistols are found with a variety of markings.
