Enigma serial numbers |
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Serial numbers | ![]() |
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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:
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Manufacturing codes | ![]() |
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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. |
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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.
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© Copyright Paul Reuvers. Last changed: Fri,09 Jul 2004.18:34:56 | ||
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