[bearone2]

Thank you.

Do your P229s' serial numbers start with "AA", or "AB"? Below are a few pics of a German proofed early P229 (KD date code (1993)) that's not mine that I saved from GB a while ago. This gun has an AA prefixed serial number. I find these early P229s interesting. I wish I could know about them in more details.

i recall seeing this one also, isn't this an aluminum frame??

 

[12131]

i recall seeing this one also, isn't this an aluminum frame??

I would have to say yes, because, as far as I know, there were no all stainless P-series SIGs in those early days.

 

[bearone2]

I would have to say yes, because, as far as I know, there were no all stainless P-series SIGs in those early days.

thanks, the 1st all stainless i recall are the 229 sport with comp, around 1998.

 

[229xtrm]

the 229/40 has a very feint s/n on the frame + barrel s/n on backside.

the 357sig has all 3 s/n's visible + thicker bull barrel.

the proofed all german 229 has all 3 s/n's visible + "ag" date code on backside of barrel.

all german 229 on right for comparison with size of slide to accommodate the bull barrel.

Bear, my AD serial number in .357 is on the backside. I think that adds another $500 to it's value. :lol:

 

[bearone2]

at least $500!!

 

[wgsigs]

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.

 

[wgsigs]

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.

 

[JohnnyLoco]

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.

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.

Lol, I think the triple serialed p229 is the lone exception and not really relevant because the 229 has always been considered in part an American gun, despite the few MIG ones out there. No, we’re talking classics, p225, p220, p226, p228...

 

[wgsigs]

Lol, I think the triple serialed p229 is the lone exception and not really relevant because the 229 has always been considered in part an American gun, despite the few MIG ones out there. No, we’re talking classics, p225, p220, p226, p228...

True about the P229 being the exception, but this thread started with a question about triple serial numbers in general and seemed to drift into a discussion about P229s. The P229 exception is important when the idea that triple serial numbers are always an indication that a SIG is German made is brought up, as evidenced by the confusion regarding German made P229s.

 

[aceman4]

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.

Agreed, Frames made in Germany with no proof marks and I believe the slides where manf and serialized in NH. Why they serialized them is beyond beyond me and maybe it was requirement for certain Law Enforcement sales at the time as the 40 S&W was becoming popular with LE agencies during that time frame.

 

[Steve40th]

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..

 

[sigke]

Sounds like a good plan Steve.

 

[wgsigs]

Agreed, Frames made in Germany with no proof marks and I believe the slides where manf and serialized in NH. Why they serialized them is beyond beyond me and maybe it was requirement for certain Law Enforcement sales at the time as the 40 S&W was becoming popular with LE agencies during that time frame.

The two theories I have heard for the triple serial number P229s were, one, Exeter was trying to emulate, or maintain the tradition of, the German made SIGs, and, two, Exeter used the triple SNs with the intention of possibly selling the P229s in Germany before Eckernförde had geared up to manufacture the guns themselves. To me the font style of the serial numbers on the German-made "AA" P229 posted by 12131 looks like the style on the early Exeter-made triple serial P229s (at least on the slide), and different from the style on other German-made SIGs.

 

[Bigmitts]

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.

 

[LilOsage]

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:

 

[sigke]

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.

 

[Bibb31]

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.

 

[12131]

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).

 

[Steelhat]

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.

 

[12131]

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.