Reality Check - Isle 3
 

I got into a debate Saturday at a local shop. I should learn to just shut up. It concerned "import marks" and a certain 1920 Commercial. I contended the "Germany" was an export mark and indicated it had been shipped here at some point before 1968, probably in the early 1920's.

Was I just arguing symantics? I thought I was? Sure, no "import" mark. But, isn't an export mark pretty much the same thing?

Export Mark = shipped FROM germany, required to say what country it was coming from; I believe the requirement was from the 1930's on-ward and a requirment from our gov't (I beleive, but I have heard folks say they were marked to english speaking countries, but maybe I am confusing that with the SAFE marking...

Import mark = coming to America, and shows it was brought into our country after 1968

I believe anything imported into the U.S. after a certain date. Approx. 1895 to 1905, somewhere in there. Had to have the country of export marked. In this day and age we have the peel off lables to contend with. My wife collects the old red to yellow glassware. I tell her it isn't ...

Acording to Tom Heller in an earlier discussion, the US Customs law requiring marking with the country of origin was established in 1892. In 1923 the law was changed to requiring stamping ov the countryof manufacture, thus GERMANY changed to MADE IN GERMANY at that time.

--Dwight

import mark
 

The import mark added from 1968 onwards is generally considered to detract from the collector's value since it is not original.

(Where did I get the idea the import mark began later than 1968?, say in the 80's?)

I have seen the "Germany" and "Made in Germany" stamps, but have never seen an import mark. What do these look like and where are they stamped? A picture would be useful. Thanks.

Chuck, They are an abbreviated importer name or initials and US address.

Usually stamped on the bottom of the barrel or on the side panel of Lugers and P.38s. Also found on forward ends of barrels on M-1s and M-1 carbines. Some are large, such as BLUE SKY or C.A.I. St. Albens VT. , Vega, etc.

Ron

Chuck, here is a picture of the one on my Luger. It is located underneath the barrel.

Sid.

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/dscn2039sid.jpg