There were some changes to the marks in 1961 in West Germany, but 1968 seems to be the date when the date codes in lower case were an option. Then in May of 1973 changes were made to, among others, allowing the date code in capital letters. Interesting in the 1968 rules is the fact that weapons destined to non-members of the International Congress of Proof were exempt from proof. I've read some posts here that post 1912 longarms slated for the US didn't experience Nitro proof but under the 1968 rules no proof was required. Prior to May 22, 1946, Britian, a non-member, had a special agreement of proof reciprocity with German, but it was terminated by Britian at that date. East Germany continued with their quaility control for all and doesn't look to have had any letter date codes.
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
