Enigma serial numbers |

Serial numbers |

Each Enigma machine has its own unique serial number. On most machines the serial number is visible on a small metal badge mounted somewhere on the machine or inside the lid. The number is also engraved or printed on the metal frame inside the Enigma and on each individual wheel. The serial number badge can take several forms and some even carry additional information, such as the year it was built and the name of the manufacturer. Here are some examples:

M 2114 | K 798

This is a rather simple serial number badge. It contains a single letter for the Enigma model (M or K in the example) followed by the actual serial number. Serial number badges of this type were used on most commercial models, the Swiss Enigma K and some early M3 machines.

M Na220 900 18340/aye/45

This label can be found on some naval machines as indicated by the M on the first line. The label in the example is from an M4 Enigma. The meaning of Na220 900 on the second line is unclear. The bottom line contains three pieces of information: The serial number (18340), the manufacturer code (aye, see below) and the year the machine was built (45).

M 7027/jla/43 | A 13852/jla/42

This is the most common serial number found. The first line indicates the model (A for Army machines and M for Naval machines). The second line holds the serial number, the manufacturer code and the year the machine was built.

Manufacturing codes |

Some of the serial number badges are marked with a three letter code to identify the manufacturer of the machine. If this code is present, it is printed in between the serial number and the year the machine was built. The German army issued a three letter code for each of its suppliers. The following manufacturer codes (Fertigungskennzeichen) have been used by the various Enigma manufacturers.

Code | Issued | Manufacturer
aye | Oct 1940 | Olympia Büromaschinenwerke A.G., Erfurt, Mainzerhofplatz
bac | Feb 1941 | Ertel-Werk für Feinmechanik, Dipl. Ing. W. Preyss, München, Westendstr. 160
gvx | Jul 1941 | Konski & Krüger, Fabrik elektr. u. mechanischer Apparate, Berlin N 4, Chausseestr. 117
jla | Sep 1941 | Chiffriermaschinengesellschaft, Heimsoeth u. Rinke, Berlin-Wilmersdorf, Uhlandstr. 136
jmz | Sep 1941 | Atlas-Werke A.-G., Maschinenfabrik, Bremen 11, Steinhöft 11

The dates given in the second column are the release dates of the list of manufacturer codes, not the actual manufacturing dates of the Enigma. If the manufacturer code was given on the serial number badge, the manufacturing date would be to the right of it. E.g. and Enigma M4 with this serial number: 7027/jla/43 would have been manufactured in 1943 by jla. More information on Fertigungskennzeichen is available here

© Copyright Paul Reuvers. Last changed: Fri,09 Jul 2004.18:34:56