Walther Brass Tags

Ron C. · 06-01-2007, 10:01 PM

Hi Guys,

I am looking for information on these brass tags that are marked WaA 359. I had purchased a round one many years ago at a local gun show here in Minnesota. A couple years ago I purchased the octagonal one from a member of the P.38 forum. Now recently the actual stamp turned up, and I purchased that also. The guy I bought it from said he had it in his collection for 40 years. Also, a couple of other guys on the P.38 forum have these in their collections. So my questions are, does anyone else have one of these? And does anybody have an idea exactly what these were used for? All information, ideas, and opinions are welcome. Here is a link back to the discussion we are having on the P.38 forum: http://forums.p38forum.com/forums/vi...=asc&highlight

Thanks,
Ron

Ron Smith · 06-02-2007, 09:42 AM

Posted reply from Still's forum.

Ron,

The 359 waffenamt is specific to Walther. Factory workers were assigned these tags with their assigned number, to exchange for secured tools and equipment. When they would check out a tool. The tag would be exchanged for that tool. A control and accountability system so that the person in charge of the tool room would know who had that tool. The tag would be placed on a hook, a peg or in the space where the item was kept.

Ron

c3006 · 06-07-2007, 08:33 AM

The Germans were still useing this tool check method when I worked in one of there plants here in the U.S. in the mid 70s. I stil have one around here somewhere. clint

Ron C. · 06-08-2007, 03:42 PM

Clint,

Thanks for the reply. I would be interested in seeing a picture of it if you find it.

Ron

Ron Smith · 06-08-2007, 04:59 PM

Hey Ron,

c3006 · 06-09-2007, 11:05 AM

Ron
I kept it on my keyring for years but took it off when my keys started getting out of control,I will look around and see if I can find it. The company was Liebherr,they made huge backhoes. clint

Ron Smith · 06-09-2007, 11:27 AM

Hi Clint,

I have been trying to help Ron identify these on the P.38 forum. There was a bit of "disagreement" over what the original purpose was. Your reply was a confirmation of my findings, and very helpful That's why the "grin".

Ron and I were having a disagreement with, let's say a "prove it" third party. Your reply helped us anchor our side of the argument. Thanks!

I seem to be stirring up hate and discontent on the forums in general. I'm just a nobody up-start , by some opinions.

How does it go? "Those of you who think you know it all. Really p!$$ off those of us who do!"

Thanks...

Ron

Vlim · 06-09-2007, 03:10 PM

"Those of you who think you know it all. Really p!$$ off those of us who do!"

LMAO

Ron, you're brilliant at times!

Ron Smith · 06-09-2007, 10:47 PM

Hi Gerben,

Thanks, but it's not mine. I had a T-shirt with that on it back in the 70's.

Ron

Edward Tinker · 06-09-2007, 11:04 PM

I was in the Lancaster, PA area today at two antique malls, both had several guys selling railroad items. At one he had tags that looked very much like this and they were labled as "tool room exchange tags". Now, where have I heard something similar....

ed

Ron C. · 06-11-2007, 06:55 PM

Hi Guys,

That seems to be the general consensus, that these are tool room exchange tags. Whether or not these were actually in the Walther factory is a little harder to prove (or dis-prove for that matter). We still are not sure exactly why the WaA359 is stamped on there if they were at Walther. But perhaps to prevent counterfeiting, or as a controlled item, or an actual inspection tag on parts bins, may be possible? Of course the other possibility is they were done post war. Thanks for all information, opinions, and discussion on these!

Regards.
Ron

P.S. Did you guys see the similar type tag that "amason" posted over on Jan Still's forum? Here is the link:

http://luger.gunboards.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11858

06-01-2007, 10:01 PM	#1
Ron C. User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 44 Thanks: 6 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Walther Brass Tags Hi Guys, I am looking for information on these brass tags that are marked WaA 359. I had purchased a round one many years ago at a local gun show here in Minnesota. A couple years ago I purchased the octagonal one from a member of the P.38 forum. Now recently the actual stamp turned up, and I purchased that also. The guy I bought it from said he had it in his collection for 40 years. Also, a couple of other guys on the P.38 forum have these in their collections. So my questions are, does anyone else have one of these? And does anybody have an idea exactly what these were used for? All information, ideas, and opinions are welcome. Here is a link back to the discussion we are having on the P.38 forum: http://forums.p38forum.com/forums/vi...=asc&highlight Thanks, Ron

06-02-2007, 09:42 AM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Posted reply from Still's forum. Ron, The 359 waffenamt is specific to Walther. Factory workers were assigned these tags with their assigned number, to exchange for secured tools and equipment. When they would check out a tool. The tag would be exchanged for that tool. A control and accountability system so that the person in charge of the tool room would know who had that tool. The tag would be placed on a hook, a peg or in the space where the item was kept. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

06-07-2007, 08:33 AM	#3
c3006 User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: east tn Posts: 526 Thanks: 5 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	The Germans were still useing this tool check method when I worked in one of there plants here in the U.S. in the mid 70s. I stil have one around here somewhere. clint __________________ Men Accustomed unto thier arms and their liberties will never endure the yoke. James Harrington 1776

06-08-2007, 03:42 PM	#4
Ron C. User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 44 Thanks: 6 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Clint, Thanks for the reply. I would be interested in seeing a picture of it if you find it. Ron __________________ Co-author of "The P.38 Pistol - Spreewerk Production" http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=21504

06-08-2007, 04:59 PM	#5
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Hey Ron, __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

06-09-2007, 11:05 AM	#6
c3006 User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: east tn Posts: 526 Thanks: 5 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	Ron I kept it on my keyring for years but took it off when my keys started getting out of control,I will look around and see if I can find it. The company was Liebherr,they made huge backhoes. clint __________________ Men Accustomed unto thier arms and their liberties will never endure the yoke. James Harrington 1776

06-09-2007, 11:27 AM	#7
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Hi Clint, I have been trying to help Ron identify these on the P.38 forum. There was a bit of "disagreement" over what the original purpose was. Your reply was a confirmation of my findings, and very helpful That's why the "grin". Ron and I were having a disagreement with, let's say a "prove it" third party. Your reply helped us anchor our side of the argument. Thanks! I seem to be stirring up hate and discontent on the forums in general. I'm just a nobody up-start , by some opinions. How does it go? "Those of you who think you know it all. Really p!$$ off those of us who do!" Thanks... Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

06-09-2007, 03:10 PM	#8
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	"Those of you who think you know it all. Really p!$$ off those of us who do!" LMAO Ron, you're brilliant at times!

06-09-2007, 10:47 PM	#9
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Hi Gerben, Thanks, but it's not mine. I had a T-shirt with that on it back in the 70's. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

06-09-2007, 11:04 PM	#10
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,034 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	I was in the Lancaster, PA area today at two antique malls, both had several guys selling railroad items. At one he had tags that looked very much like this and they were labled as "tool room exchange tags". Now, where have I heard something similar.... ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

06-11-2007, 06:55 PM	#11
Ron C. User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 44 Thanks: 6 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Hi Guys, That seems to be the general consensus, that these are tool room exchange tags. Whether or not these were actually in the Walther factory is a little harder to prove (or dis-prove for that matter). We still are not sure exactly why the WaA359 is stamped on there if they were at Walther. But perhaps to prevent counterfeiting, or as a controlled item, or an actual inspection tag on parts bins, may be possible? Of course the other possibility is they were done post war. Thanks for all information, opinions, and discussion on these! Regards. Ron P.S. Did you guys see the similar type tag that "amason" posted over on Jan Still's forum? Here is the link: http://luger.gunboards.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11858 __________________ Co-author of "The P.38 Pistol - Spreewerk Production" http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=21504