I just got some keys cut for the ignition on the '56 from Karmann Konnection, I left the ignition with them just so they knew it worked before they sent it back, and my handle had the same number punched into the side of the casting. They do nice VW logo blanks, and a plain cheaper version so I got one of each (plain for a spair) :d
Unfortunately the key didn't work in the door handle, so I took the barrel out to find that the back end of the barrel was broken - I think that's why it didn't turn. According to the workshop manual, if you change the ignition then it's possible to swap the 'wafers' in the barrel of the door handle so that it matches. So, I'm looking for an ice-pic handle either already with a key, or with a barrel that I can try to rebuild....
Rob Amos
Happiness is a stock VW