British proofs
 

I have been offered a military luger that is all correct. It was taken to England and reproofed. Does having these proof marks do much in reducing the value of the piece. I am unsure how to view them in relation to the value.
Thanks....Chip

Chip,

The short answer to your question is yes, to most collectors in the US British proofs devalue the Luger to a certain extent. That may or may not be the case in your neck of the woods.

In any case, it will be necessary to know the details of the gun to ascertain how much difference the Brit proofs actually make.

--Dwight

British Proofs
 

I just posted my British proof P.08 a few post down. But here are some better pics!

As you can see the British proof marks under the barrel do detract from the pistol. But they don't bother me as much as a US import stamp.

I have been told the smaller proofs are British "export" stamps.

For the right price I wouldn't pass up any good Luger!

Bob

Export proof
 

Rear of frame. Also found on slide and toggle.

In my experience, the only collectors who will pay a decent price for BNPed lugers, are those who collect British marked pistols. TH

Terry,

Thank you for illuminating my brief comment. It is much of what I was implying, without my having the experience to represent anyone other than US collectors.

Please allow me a couple of comments.

Like your UK perspective of British proofs being part-and-parcel of a Luger's authenticity, the GERMANY and MADE IN GERMANY stamps are a US statutory requirement, and part of the accepted provenance of a Commercial Luger.

Such a marking on a non-commercial gun is cause for a minor devaluation for a US collector.

The 'Santa Veep Armory Imports Pattaquumpus Valley Massachusetts USA Inc' importer's mark represent a major defacement, and speaking for myself
(and I am sure representitive of most collectors in the US) I find a British or other foreign proof more acceptable in almost all circumstances.

--Dwight

There are more than a few who have paid pretty big bucks to have the Ruger (not Luger) lawyer requirements removed from their barrels and subsequent refinishing. These things mean far more to some than others. Collectors are pretty finicky.

Howdy, TAC, I think, without opening the safe, that all my Rugers have it.

I would estimate your SRH benefited from someone else having it removed?

What caliber is your SRH?...or do you know since it isn't marked? ;) :roflmao:

Bob,

The little staming is still a Brit proof stamp...for either the London or Birmingham proof house.

Am away from my books but can look it up for you if others do not jump in...before the weekend.

No Christmas card??? Oh, woe is this one!

My thousands of handguns experience would have made me think it was in .480 Ruger or 454 Casull, but you'll notice how restrained I was in asking before speculating--I'm that kind of guy.

A custom barrel made to your specs, eh? Congratulations. As us ole time Texans say, "Bet she shoots like a house afire!" I take it this one hasn't been deactivated from what you've written.

Terry,

No disrespect noted, my friend. Just a bit of clarification.

--Dwight

Tac,
Thank you for the clarification! I may have misunderstood the answer?
Would not have been the first time!

Pete,
yes I would appreciate that.
Thank you for your effort

Bob

Re: Re: British proofs
 

I totally agree with you on this one tac.
The 38S&W Victory model that resides in my safe does so BECAUSE of the British prof marks. It has a well worn finish, but perfect mechanicals. It was the history of the piece that interested me. I just wish that thing could talk!

I dont have a problem at all with British proof marks on Lugers or old American pistols. Matter of fact I would love to have a Colt 1911 with RAF unit marks.

tac, thanks for the clarification. I have had to be away from the pewter for awhile and couldn't respond.

You know, pard, I've given it some thought and I may have asked you the same question about that beeyouteaful Ruger a year or two back.

I have no memory anymore, I'm sad to say.