Understanding Korth Firearm Numbering and Production Methods
To appreciate the significance of Willi Korth’s firearms, particularly his revolvers, one must first understand his unique approach to production and numbering. Korth’s numbering system is unconventional, with serial numbers beginning in the 20xxx range. However, the sequence in which numbers were assigned does not reflect the order of completion. This is largely due to Korth’s meticulous manufacturing process, which often saw components assembled in a non-sequential manner.
For instance, the first firearm in a series did not necessarily receive the number XX001. Early in production, grip frames and side plates were manually fitted together and stamped with the same serial number before being finished as a unit. However, as production expanded, the process became more fragmented, leading to firearms being completed in an unordered sequence. This discrepancy is evidenced by entries in Korth’s firearm logbooks. A collector might own revolver 28001, a 6-inch .22 Magnum proofed on January 18, 1974, but this does not imply it was the first produced. In fact, numbers 28 202 and 28 354—both 3-inch .357 Magnum Combat models—were proofed much earlier, on June 24, 1972.
The Double Series and Unique Numbering Practices
Certain serial number ranges, such as 22/23xxx, 24/25xxx, and 26/27xxx, had production runs exceeding 1,000 units and were thus termed “double series.” When numbering reached XX999, it continued beyond the designated series number, explaining why serials beginning with 23, 25, and 27 do not exist. Some significant milestone firearms include:
- 23,000: A 6-inch .22 L.R.
- 25,000: Another 6-inch .22 L.R.
- 27,000: A 6-inch .357 Magnum
The 21xxx series also exceeded 1,000 units, but its numbering deviated from this pattern, as detailed later in this study.
Documentation and Statistical Analysis
Korth’s record-keeping was comprehensive, tracking barrel length, caliber, and model despite no legal obligation to do so. These meticulous records enabled the compilation of a comprehensive table categorizing production numbers by series, barrel length, and caliber. This analysis, which took over three months to complete, documented a total of 7,141 revolversproduced by Korth.
Key findings include:
- The revolvers are divided into categories such as police models (2-inch, 4-inch, .38 Special), sport models (4-inch, 6-inch, .22 L.R., .357 Magnum, .38 Special), and combat models (3-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, .22 L.R., .357 Magnum).
- Some models featured interchangeable cylinders, notably:
- .22 Magnum with an additional .22 L.R. cylinder
- .357 Magnum with an additional 9mm Parabellum cylinder
- The column marked “Ausschuss” likely refers to defective or rejected firearms, but its data may be incomplete due to gaps in the records.
List of Revolvers Manufactured by Willi Korth
(Evaluation of the firearm logbooks of W. Korth and the WBK of Willi Korth)
Series & Production Years
Series | 20xxx | 21xxx | 22xxx-23xxx | 24xxx-25xxx | 26xxx-27xxx | 28xxx | 29xxx | 30xxx | 31xxx | 32xxx | 32xxx (J.M.) | 33xxx |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Proofing Year | 1964-1965 | 1965-1966 | 1967 | 1969 | 1971-1973 | 1972-1973 | 1974-1975 | 1975-1976 | 1978 | 1979-1980 | 1979 | 1981 |
Production Numbers by Model & Caliber
Model & Barrel Length | 20xxx | 21xxx | 22xxx-23xxx | 24xxx-25xxx | 26xxx-27xxx | 28xxx | 29xxx | 30xxx | 31xxx | 32xxx | 32xxx J.M. | 33xxx |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Police, 2″, .38 Spl. | 482 | |||||||||||
Police, 4″, .38 Spl. | 481 | |||||||||||
Sport, 4″, .22 Mag. | 42 | 11 | ||||||||||
Sport, 4″, .22 Mag. (interchangeable .22 L.R. cylinder) | 6 | |||||||||||
Sport, 4″, .357 Mag. | 172 | 48 | 19 | 98 | 54 | |||||||
Sport, 6″, .22 L.R. | 384 | 697 | 825 | 441 | 97 | 58 | 58 | 59 | 36 | 6 | 9 | |
Sport, 6″, .22 Mag. | 35 | 1 | ||||||||||
Sport, 6″, .22 Mag. (interchangeable .22 L.R. cylinder) | 19 | 56 | 117 | 99 | 48 | 23 | 21 | 26 | 20 | 3 | 5 | |
Sport, 6″, .38 Spl. | 16 | |||||||||||
Sport, 6″, .357 Mag. | 334 | 203 | 67 | 397 | 199 | 122 | 55 | 91 | 129 | 49 | 27 | |
Sport, 6″, .357 Mag. (interchangeable 9mm Para cylinder) | 10 | 12 | 15 | |||||||||
Combat, 3″, .22 L.R. | 1 | |||||||||||
Combat, 3″, .22 Mag. | 1 | |||||||||||
Combat, 3″, .357 Mag. | 15 | 50 | 122 | 210 | 112 | 23 | 3 | 38 | ||||
Combat, 3″, .357 Mag. (interchangeable 9mm Para cylinder) | 3 | 2 | 22 | |||||||||
Combat, 4″, .22 L.R. | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
Combat, 4″, .357 Mag. | 24 | 105 | 22 | 8 | 45 | |||||||
Combat, 4″, .357 Mag. (interchangeable 9mm Para cylinder) | 7 | 6 | 26 | |||||||||
Combat, 6″, .22 L.R. | 2 | |||||||||||
Combat, 6″, .357 Mag. | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||
Combat, 6″, .357 Mag. (interchangeable 9mm Para cylinder) | 5 |
Production Summary
Series | 20xxx | 21xxx | 22xxx-23xxx | 24xxx-25xxx | 26xxx-27xxx | 28xxx | 29xxx | 30xxx | 31xxx | 32xxx | 32xxx J.M. | 33xxx |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total Units Produced | 963 | 992 | 1032 | 1028 | 1050 | 448 | 327 | 368 | 393 | 251 | 91 | 199 |
Rejected/Defective | 18 | 16 | 12 | 25 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | |
Anomalies and Unrecorded Revolvers
Not all firearms appear in Korth’s logbooks. Some revolvers from the early 20xxx and 21xxx series were omitted from the initial records. This suggests that actual production numbers may be slightly higher than reported. Additionally, certain revolvers were proofed significantly later than their serial number suggests, either due to defects delaying final proofing or changes in production schedules.
One intriguing aspect of Korth’s production was the existence of prototypes. Some prototype revolvers from the 20xxx and 21xxx series were fully machined, hardened, and polished but remained unblued. These models were stamped with 000 or 00 instead of a serial number and later dismantled, with their parts repurposed for manufacturing setups. In some cases, discarded prototype components were salvaged by employees to privately assemble revolvers, creating rare, unofficial models that occasionally surface in the collector’s market.
Materials and Manufacturing Excellence
Willi Korth’s reputation for excellence was built on his refusal to compromise on materials. Unlike manufacturers that employed die-cast or sintered metal components, Korth used only drop-forged steel for crucial parts such as grip frames, side plates, and cranes. The cylinders, triggers, and hammers were precision-machined from three-dimensionally forged steel bars, ensuring extreme durability.
Korth’s commitment extended to even the smallest components. Almost all axles and springs were manufactured in-house, with exceptions including grip panel screws and certain hex screws, which were outsourced but rigorously selected. Korth himself described the material specifications in his brochures:
“The barrel is made from the finest special steel using the hammer forging process. All essential parts such as the frame, lock plate, crane, cylinder, trigger, and hammer are made from forged high-quality alloyed steel, tempered to approximately 148 kg tensile strength per mm². The lock components are case-hardened, ensuring an extremely hard and wear-resistant surface while retaining toughness.”
Exceptional Durability: The Revolver That Withstood Eight Bullets
The remarkable durability of Korth firearms was demonstrated by an extraordinary incident at the Ratzeburg factory. A revolver with serial number 21 935 was sent in for repair with a severely damaged barrel. Examination revealed a catastrophic failure: the barrel had bulged in the middle and burst open near the sight rail.
After removing the barrel, technicians found that the grip frame, cylinder, and locking mechanism showed no measurable damage. Once a new barrel was installed, the revolver functioned as new.
Investigating further, Korth discovered the cause: eight full metal jacket bullets were jammed inside the barrel! The shooter had unknowingly fired round after round into an obstruction, an event that would normally destroy a lesser firearm. The revolver not only survived but was fully operational after repair.
Weight Variations and Terminology
Since each Korth revolver’s lock mechanism was hand-adjusted, tolerances in non-critical areas led to slight weight variations even within the same model series. Weights of identical revolvers could differ by more than 20 grams, an important consideration for collectors.
In discussing these firearms, it is worth noting that while “mass” is the correct scientific term, common firearm literature continues to use “weight” as the conventional descriptor. Additionally, both metric and imperial units are used in Korth documentation, reflecting standard industry practices.
The Evolution of Production Techniques
Initially, Korth relied on mechanical copying milling machines, which required physical setup models. These models were later replaced with sheet metal templates and, eventually, computer-controlled machining. The progression from manually fitted parts to CNC precision manufacturing underscores the evolution of Korth’s production philosophy while maintaining uncompromising quality.
Conclusion: The Korth Legacy
Willi Korth’s revolvers are renowned for their precision craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and rigorous manufacturing standards. His meticulous production methods, unique serial numbering system, and commitment to excellence have cemented Korth revolvers as some of the finest firearms ever produced. For collectors, understanding the nuances of Korth’s production process enhances the appreciation of these extraordinary firearms.
With 7,141 revolvers documented, each carrying its own history, Korth’s legacy continues to captivate firearms enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
