frame/slide/barrel all have the same s/n....sometimes the barrel s/n is not visible because it's on the back side.

some folks like 'em but don't really add value unless proofed with test target.

 

Ok. I was wondering if it meant that or if there were some with three sets of numbers that I had never seen. Thank you. Where on the back side of the barrel would they be? I have two W.Germans but I haven't seen serial numbers on the barrels. Maybe I'm not looking closely enough.

 

Most, I believe were made in Germany, or West Germany.
Depending what year model. Most admit also, that was when Sig werr really on top of their game.

 

If you can't see it from the ejection port, check the side of the barrel hood opposite the ejection port

 

Ok. Thank you very much. I will look at them when I get home from work.

 

Let's not forget the U.S. made P229 triple serial guns. These are early models that likely have German made frames and stainless steel slides. High quality guns, desirable sure, German made and proofed, nope.

 

There’s lots of threads on triple serial numbers if you search.

 

I agree with the comment that Sig was really on top of their game back then. I disagree with the value comment. If you think a gun that was fit together better than the newer stuff doesn't add value then I don't know what to say except I'm happy there are fewer people out there looking to buy them. I'll even say this...used or new...a non triple in similar condition is worth considerably less. But that's why we have choices...buy what you want shoot what you want.

All of my sigs (except for one lonely P365) are early , german or west German models including one still NIB first year P229 triple serial number. I have 2 of those since it's one of my favorite pistols and bought the second in case I ever wear out the first one I bought in 1992. It's still running strong , has had zero malfunctions in all these years and except for a new set of night sights nothing has ever been done to it so the NIB one remains NIB.

 

All of my sigs (except for one lonely P365) are early , german or west German models including one still NIB first year P229 triple serial number. I have 2 of those since it's one of my favorite pistols and bought the second in case I ever wear out the first one I bought in 1992. It's still running strong , has had zero malfunctions in all these years and except for a new set of night sights nothing has ever been done to it so the NIB one remains NIB.

I would love to see pic of this early German (or W. German) triple numbered P229, if you care to share. I'm assuming, from what you wrote, that it is a German proofed gun.

 

It’s just evidence that the gun was made and assembled all in Germany. An assurance of quality, but not necessarily proof. And yep, more desirable if like new with original box and paperwork. But in my opinion they are just great guns to own and use, but so are the U.S. assembled German guns. I carry and shoot those more.

 

Just remember that having triple matching serial numbers is not necessarily evidence that a SIG was made and assembled in Germany as demonstrated by all of the early P229s with triple serial numbers that were assembled in Exeter from German frames and barrels and American made stainless steel slides.

The German proof marks like on the P229 that 12131 posted is the real proof that a SIG was made in Germany. :lol:

As for the early German made two-tone P229 SLs the ones I have heard about were not purchased in the U.S. but in Germany and individually brought into the country.

 

Most Sigs made prior to 1994 will be triples serial number marked. A true West German Sig will always have proof marks and a date code. Starting in late 95 is when you starting seeing double serial # marked. Typically the frame and slide. In 1992 Sig started making the P229's in the US. Most P229's with serial starting with AB, AC, AD will be triple match. AE is when you mix of doubles and triples.

After the fall of the Wall 89 and then the reunification treaty in 90, West German Manufactures could use the "Made in West Germany" for a 5 additional years. There was a notoriety that quality products came out of West German vs East Germany and they didn't want to diminish their brand immediately after reunification.

Sig collectors look for triple serials # because they know original matching frame, barrel and slide. Value wise it's maybe 10-15% over a US made P226, P229 from that era. IMHO

I own a few P229's matching trips in each caliber available from 92-94 and they are great shooters.

 

Most Sigs made prior to 1994 will be triples serial number marked. A true West German Sig will always have proof marks and a date code. Starting in late 95 is when you starting seeing double serial # marked. Typically the frame and slide. In 1992 Sig started making the P229's in the US. Most P229's with serial starting with AB, AC, AD will be triple match. AE is when you mix of doubles and triples.

I believe what you say about the double serial numbers applies only to the P229s that were actually not made in Germany. As I recall almost all German made SIGS continue to have triple serial numbers except for some Sport and X-series models made around 2003-2009.

 

at least $500!!

 

I will, one day, buy a triple with proof etc 228.. Thats one I would love to have for collecting. And buy a well used one for shooting, as I know it will shoot well no matter age..

 

Sounds like a good plan Steve.

 

Cleaned my 220 and 228 last night. Both have matching serial numbers on all three (frame, slide, and barrel). I didn't look for it when I bought them. Just looked at the frame and slide serials and proof marks. So I guess I got lucky. Next up, W German P232 preferably in SS. Maybe the December shows. Thank you everyone for your help.

 

Triple Serial Numbers

Indeed, my beloved Sig P230SL has triple serial numbers, although I don't actually know if they add to the value, but if I was ever to put it up for sale, the price would strongly indicate they definitely do.:money:

 

Here's a triple serial number p229. It's a Sport or S model.
Made in Germany. I've had one before, but was lucky enough to get this one from another member here.

 

I have a p229, .40, with s/n on frame made in Germany and serial number on barrel but not on slide. Wondering what do I have? S/N AD131xx. Thanks for any info.

 

You have an early P229 that was assembled at SIG NH. Very early ones from SIG NH had triple numbers. Then two numbers, then eventually just one number (on frame).

 

All guns that are manufactured in Germany have 3 serial numbers because according to the german law the frame, slide and barrel are considered essential parts of the weapon and have to be serialized. You can see that's true for made in Germany, SIGs, H&Ks, Walthers, and so on. Besides the tripple serial numbers they sport the proof marks as well, which one depends on the proof house who proofed the gun.
For SIG it would be the proof house Kiel (the "squished bug" resembles the coat of arms of the city of Kiel).
H&Ks would have the laying antlers from the proof house of Ulm.
I'm not sure which proof house proofs the Walthers but you will find a proof mark on them as well - IF they were manufactured in Germany.

 

All guns that are manufactured in Germany have 3 serial numbers because according to the german law the frame, slide and barrel are considered essential parts of the weapon and have to be serialized

This is incorrect. There is no German law requiring triple serial numbers. The law requires them guns sold by CIP member states to bear proof marks.