The Vis 35 shown here is a Radom-manufactured Type III in NRA Excellent condition, showing little use or wear. The finish is blued (some have a phosphate finish), and exterior is roughly milled. Vis (Polish designation pistolet wz. 35 Vis, German designation 9 mm Pistole 35(p), or simply the Radom in English sources) is a 9×19mm caliber, single-action, semi-automatic pistol.Its design was inspired by American firearms inventor John Browning's 9mm 'Browning GP' pistol which was completed after Browning's death by designers at Fabrique Nationale in Herstal Belgium.
Charlie's method is not reliable. Radom plant also made rifles and in a lot higher numbers than the pistols. There were months when pistols were not manufactured at all - just the rifles. As a matter of fact (and that is based on documents), the reason that 1937 production numbers for VIS pistols is so small (about 3000) is that it was stopped completely in March of 1937 in favor of making rifles exclusively through the end of 1937, so dividing the total production number of 1938 series pistols by 12 will not give you a reliable data. Charlie's method is not reliable. Radom plant also made rifles and in a lot higher numbers than the pistols. There were months when pistols were not manufactured at all - just the rifles.
As a matter of fact (and that is based on documents), the reason that 1937 production numbers for VIS pistols is so small (about 3000) is that it was stopped completely in March of 1937 in favor of making rifles exclusively through the end of 1937, so dividing the total production number of 1938 series pistols by 12 will not give you a reliable data. I know that my method is not reliable (for the reason you stated and also bombing raids, the move to Steyr, etc) but it can be a 'rough' rule of thumb. Okay.nobody seems to exactly know for lots of reasons. But, at the risk of a severe whipping with a wet noodle, I hope no one is too fussy for me to provide a SWAG to these gentlemen. 1938 Eagle 10433: While a more refined quantity/range probably exists, Jan Stills published in 'Axis Pistols' a 1938 Eagle quantity of 21200 in the S/N range of 8801 to 29000. Enjoy the math.
1/C716x: One of 29,997 VIS's made in 1941. I'd guess the last quarter of 1941.or was that 194x. 1/E0763: One of 51,000 VIS's made in 1942.
I'd guess the first quarter of 1942. Until something is more definitively documented, my source of the yearly wartime quantities is Berger's 'Red' book. This should at least get these examples into the correct year(s). Last edited by RockinWR; at 12:04 AM. Reason: Added 1938 info & sources.