byf 42 question
 

I've been offered a byf 42, which I haven't seen yet. The owner advised me that it has "British Proof marking".
Are these marking a deterent to value or does it add to value for a collector?

Thanks,
Levi

British proofs are a negative.
Regards, Norm

Could you explain that a bit, Norm? I think it would be an interesting addition to any serious Luger collection. Perhaps not worth *more* than an unmarked Luger, but surely the same value... :)

Hi Rich, Large quantities of German guns were purchased by US importers and warehoused in England in the 1950s and '60s. Under British law they had to be reproofed. These proof marks have the same effect on value as US importer's marks.
Regards, Norm

Norm - Was each individual pistol proof fired??? Would they also have the 'Made In Germany' or just 'Germany' marking as well as the British proofs??? :)

Hi Rich, I'm no big expert on British proofs. My gun, the one shown in the photo, is not "GERMANY" or importer marked and the few other British proofed guns I've seen weren't marked either. I assume they were all fired with at least one proof round, and the ones I've seen were proofed with rounds ranging from 9 to 15 tons per square inch.
Regards, Norm

Hi Guys, thanks for your responce.

Would I be safe to consider a 20-30% reduction in price over a similar condition unmarked Luger would be a safe guess of value? If not what would be your guess of percentage?

Other fireams that I have collected in the past, if import marks were on them, I would pass but if this byf in nice otherwise I might want to make an educated offer.

Thanks again........Levi