Import Marks ??
 

I was just given a nice Luger Marked S/42 dated 1938 SN#4589 It has most of its blue and several proof marks on it but as I was looking at it I found CAI ST AIR VT on the bottom of the barrel which I was told were proof marks and made it less desirable,Is this true? This is my first post. Thanks c3006

True, worth less, this is not a "proof" mark but an inport marked gun....and welcome here.....

I have a K98 with the same import mark. I wonder who they were.

Try doing a search on www.google.com , put the entire string, plus import mark and you'll find it.

Ed

"CAI ST ALB VT" is Century Arms International of St. Albans Vermont.

Your import mark is an older version. The new CAI import mark is "CAI GEORGIA VT" which stands for Century Arms International of Georgia, Vermont.

CAI's import mark is often critized since last year when they switched from putting the marking on the barrel to the receiver. The newer CAI import mark is known as the "billboard" of import marks and is usually despised for its size.

Alas, something I know something about. :)


You said someone gave you this Luger. Do they have anymore and do they need another friend, relative or adopted son?

LOL I think it was there only one and they gave it to me because I did some work for them although I asked for nothing . It has a nice leather holster with a tool in the lid and a extra mag,I think it has give me the luger fever. Thanks for the info. c3006

Welcome to the Lugerforum... I wish I could meet some folks with that attitude...

The side plate seems to be the only piece that the number does not match on,would it be unethical to try and find one with the right to didgits and replace it and if not how would you go about finding one? Thanks c3006

c3006,

What you are describing is called a "forced match". While on *many* parts it is undetectable, on a sideplate it only works occasionally. So, in addition to being questionable from an "ethical" perspective, there are practical considerations also.

Tom A.