Stump the Experts?

[Rhpd201]

Good Afternoon All,

I stumbled across a SACM 1935A at a local shop. I'd been reading about them and thinking about adding one to my collection even though 32 French Long ammo is terrible to find. My variety of WWII French weapons is confined only to a MAS36 and St. Etienne 1895.

Upon inspection I found the eagle WaA 251 stamp on the left side of the frame, where it should be. Serial number B3260 made me impulse buy without further inspection.

The finish is not the best, but it is better than many I have seen. When I got it home and field stripped it I did not find the WaA 251 stamp on the barrel chamber as I had anticipated. Instead, I found a diamond shaped stamp with what looks like an L in the middle. The same stamp is also on the bottom of the slide just behind the breech face.

There isn't a lot of information online, just the same thing recycled over and over. The finish on the slide and the frame appear correct for that vintage (baked enamel - shiny black) and the wear on both is consistent with the other. The finish makes me think they are correct for each other (or at least the same age) but the darn stamp on the slide and barrel confuse me. I'm leaning towards thinking the barrel and slide are replacements and not original to the frame.

I've looked at several proof mark documents online but find nothing that matches the mark I see. Any thoughts?

Information

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[UNPROFOR1994]

Serialnumber B2701-B8820 means it was made in 1941 for OKH Heereswaffenamt Dienststelle Paris. Should have one WaA 251 stamp on the left side. Looks like your pistol is a correct Pistole 625(f). The L in diamond is an inspectors mark, don't know his name.

[Rhpd201]

I am curious as I've seen pictures of the same WaA 251 stamp on the left side of the barrel breech as well. Do you know why some have the WaA on the barrel and some don't? Is there an authoritative book I can get? When I field stripped it I found some minor rust under the grips and magazine disconnect safety. I'd like to figure out how to detail strip it so I can make sure I have removed all rust.

[Paul S.]

I don't have any answer for you having only ever handled one example of an M1935 and that in Vietnam circa 1968. However, I suggest these sites might help a little:
Pistolet automatique modèle 1935A — Wikipédia
SACM M1935A | Online references | cyclopaedia.net