Meaning of P.S. on 9mmx19 Headstamp Italian Contract

[Pete M]

One for the Headstamp Guide. The letters 'P.S.' found on 9mmx19 contracts for Italian police represent 'Polizia di Stato' or State Police. This example is made by GFL (Giulio Fiocchi, Leccco, Italy) and has the NATO StanAg 'cross in a circle' logo at 12 o'clock, and lot number plus year of case manufacture at 6 o'clock. These have also been made by other manufacturers outside Italy such as Sellier & Bellot and are encountered commercially throughout other countries when 'over-run' productions are sold on the market. Another interesting point about this particular example is the headstamp markings appear to be laser etched rather than stamped with a bunter (makes for a nice reflection of the light when you're trying to photograph it!) and has GFL's 'ZP' style blackened heavy metal free primer, Pete.

[Skip Richardson]

Very nice find! Also in typical Italian fashion...fired in a Beretta.