Import Marks

[Pistol]

Sammler - I saw photos of some of the Simpson's smaller more inconspicuous markings inside the magwell. Those were tastefully done. And I did read the laws changed to where the markings had to be more visible. The way Simpson's did it was nice. You could barely see them and only if you were looking for it.

Ed- are you saying that even hidden, inconspicuous marks still reduce the value?

This luger in question has the larger Salter markings on the underside of the barrel. Other than that it is a very nice luger. It has the Böhler Steel barrels marking also. Good halos on serial #. One mag appears to be one of the less common early imperial blued mags. It has no serial #, but a crown (Erfurt proof/mark?) on the lower portion of the wood bottom. I read on this forum that some think these blued wood bottom mags are Dutch, others are of the opinion that they are early imperial mags.

I guess one could argue the import mark is part of its history, as being captured by a Canadian Vet, then imported into US at a later date.

Unfortunately, I did not realize a manufacturer import mark would regulate it to a "shooter" category.

[Bill_in_VA]

Originally Posted by Pistol

[...] Unfortunately, I did not realize a manufacturer import mark would regulate it to a "shooter" category.

I don't think anyone is talking about manufacturer's markings (i.e., those markings applied by the manufacturer at the time of production.) The "Made in Belgium/Assembled in Portugal/Browning Arms Co./Provo, Utah" markings on my Mark III High Power aren't importers' markings; they're manufacturer's markings.
The ones I and many others refer to as "importer markings/stamps" are those appiled by the importer under BATF direction, e.g., "CAI. ST.ALB.VT/ GERMANY 9MM", or "SDI Swan, VT/Argentina 7.5mm." Those weren't applied by the original manufacturer.
Speaking strictly for me, yes, those kinds of import stamps DO put it directly into the "shooter" category. My f-block byf 42 is all-matching (minus the magazine) but because it's got a big old hairy Century Arms import stamp on the underside of the barrel it's a shooter, not one of my collectibles.
YMMV

[Pistol]

Originally Posted by Bill_in_VA

The ones I and many others refer to as "importer markings/stamps" are those appiled by the importer under BATF direction, e.g., "CAI. ST.ALB.VT/ GERMANY 9MM", or "SDI Swan, VT/Argentina 7.5mm." Those weren't applied by the original manufacturer.
YMMV

That is what I meant Bill. "import", not "manufacturer" markings. Poor word choice on my part.

[ChannelIsles]

When my S code was 'found' in the UK a few years ago, in order to export it, it needed to be proof fired & stamped.
Whilst the norm would be various stamping as below:

It thankfully found a considerate section 5 dealer who arranged for the single BNP Birmingham proof stamp placed under the grip.
In these unavoidable circumstances, the alternative being deactivated, I think it came off rather well with its brush with the authorities.